The Inspector looked up angrily from his notebook.

“You’re giving the impression of quibbling, Mr. Chacewater.”

“I’m answering your questions, Inspector, to the best of my ability.”

Armadale made a fresh cast.

“Where did you go when you left Ravensthorpe?”

“To London.”

“You’ve been in London, then, until this morning?”

Cecil paused for a moment or two before answering.

“May I ask, Inspector, whether you’re bringing any charge against me? If you are, then I believe you ought to caution me. If you aren’t, then I don’t propose to answer your questions. Now, what are you going to do about it?”

Armadale was hardly prepared for this move.