“Yes, I believe I did, come to think of it. He was a bit of a tartar, you know.”

“What was your quarrel about, Mr. Allen?”

“It was hardly a quarrel—just a few words. I happened to need some ready money for margin and asked him for a small loan. Harrison refused me with quite unnecessary emphasis. In fact, I told him so. That was all.”

“Did you hear Susan scream tonight when Harrison was murdered?” asked Bernard suddenly.

“Of course I did. Who could help hearing it?”

“Where were you at the time you heard the scream?”

“Let’s see. I believe I was in the bathroom.”

“Was the door open into your bedroom at that time?”

Allen looked surprised.

“Why? Why do you ask?”