Austin looked at the inspector quickly. His bored manner was gone.
“Yes,” he said deliberately. “To the best of my knowledge those were his words. I may have made a mistake in the phrasing but that is what he meant.”
“What’s the good of your coming here and lying to me?” The inspector spoke in an aggrieved tone.
“I was brought here against my will,” Austin reminded him, “and I have not lied, although your manner has been most offensive. You see, sir, I’m accustomed to gentlefolk.”
McWalsh motioned him to be silent.
“That’ll do,” he commanded, “I’m not interested in what you think. Now answer this carefully. What clothes was Mr. Warren wearing?”
“Evening dress,” said the butler, “but a claret-colored velvet smoking jacket instead of a black coat.”
“How was he looking?”
“Do you mean in what direction?”
“You know I don’t. I mean was he looking as usual? Was there anything unusual in his look?”