“Curious. I have information that you said something quite different.”
Eustace changed colour.
“Well, of course, I can’t remember the exact words.”
“My information is that what you actually said was, ‘Well, think it over and let me know.’ ”
“Let me see, yes I believe you’re right. Not exactly that. I think I was suggesting she should let me know when she was free.”
“Not quite the same thing, is it?” said Japp.
Major Eustace shrugged his shoulders.
“My dear fellow, you can’t expect a man to remember word for word what he said on any given occasion.”
“And what did Mrs. Allen reply?”
“She said she’d give me a ring. That is, as near as I can remember.”
“And then you said, ‘All right. So long.’ ”
“Probably. Something of the kind anyway.”
Japp said quietly:
“You say that Mrs. Allen asked you to advise her about her investments. Did she, by any chance, entrust you with the sum of two hundred pounds in cash to invest for her?”
Eustace’s face flushed a dark purple. He leaned forward and growled out:
“What the devil do you mean by that?”
“Did she or did she not?”
“That’s my business, Mr. Chief Inspector.”
Japp said quietly:
“Mrs. Allen drew out the sum of two hundred pounds in cash from her bank. Some of the money was in five-pound notes. The numbers of these can, of course, be traced.”
“What if she did?”
“Was the money for investment—or was it—blackmail, Major Eustace?”
“That’s a preposterous idea. What next will you suggest?”
Japp said in his most official manner:
“I think, Major Eustace, that at this point I must ask you if you are willing to come to Scotland Yard and make a statement. There is, of course, no compulsion and you can, if you prefer it, have your solicitor present.”
“Solicitor? What the devil should I want with a solicitor? And what are you cautioning me for?”
“I am inquiring into the circumstances of the death of Mrs. Allen.”
“Good God, man, you don’t suppose—Why, that’s nonsense! Look here, what happened was this. I called round to see Barbara by appointment. . . .”
“That was at what time?”
“At about half past nine, I should say. We sat and talked. . . .”