II
“I am very sorry, my lord,” said Fox, “to have to trouble you at such a time.”
“That can’t be helped.”
“That is so, my lord. Under the circumstances we’ve got to make one or two inquiries.”
“One or two!” said Lord Charles unevenly. “Do sit down, won’t you? I’m afraid I don’t know your name.”
“Fox, my lord. Inspector Fox.”
“Oh, yes. Do sit down.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Fox sat down and with an air of composure drew out his spectacle case. Lord Charles took a chair near the fire and held out his hands to the blaze. They were unsteady and with an impatient movement he drew them back and thrust them into his pockets. He turned to Fox and found the Inspector regarding him blandly through steel-rimmed glasses.
“Before I trouble you with any questions, my lord,” said Fox, “I think it would be advisable for me to ring up my superior officer and report this occurrence. If I may use the telephone, my lord.”