Nothing more."
Colonel Melchett said, "And what did you do, Mr Bartlett?"
"Eh?"
"What did you do when Ruby Keene left you?"
George Bartlett gaped at him.
"Let's see now. What did I do?"
"We're waiting for you to tell us."
"Yes, yes, of course.
Jolly difficult, remembering things, what?
Let me see. Shouldn't be surprised if I went into the bar and had a drink."
"Did you go into the bar and have a drink?"
"That's just it.
I did have a drink.
Don't think it was just then.
Have an idea I wandered out, don't you know. Bit of air.
Rather stuffy for September.
Very nice outside.
Yes, that's it.
I strolled around a bit, then I came in and had a drink, and then I strolled back to the ballroom. Wasn't much doing.
Noticed - what's-er-name - Josie was dancing again. With the tennis fellow.
She been on the sick list, twisted ankle or something."
"That fixes the time of your return at midnight.
Do you intend us to understand that you spent over an hour walking about outside?"
"Well, I had a drink, you know. I was well, I was thinking of things."
This statement received more incredulity than any other. Colonel Melchett said sharply,
"What were you thinking about?"
"Oh, I don't know.
Things," said Mr Aartlett vaguely.
"You have a car, Mr Bartlett?"
"Oh, yes, I've got a car."
"Where was it, in the hotel garage?"
"No, it was outside.
I thought about going for a ride, you know."
"And you didn't go for a ride?"
"No, no. I didn't. I swear I didn't."
"You didn't go for a ride with, say, Miss Keene?"
"I already told you.
Listen, what are you driving at?
I didn't, I swear."
"Thanks, Mr Bartlett.
That will be all for the moment.
For the moment," repeated Colonel Melchett.
They left Bartlett with an comical expression of alarm on his face.
"A fool," said Colonel Melchett. "Or not?"
Inspector Harper shook his head. "We still have a long way ahead."
Chapter 17
Neither the night porter nor the barman proved helpful.
The night porter remembered ringing up Miss Keene's room just after midnight and getting no reply.
He had not noticed Mr Bartlett leaving or entering the hotel.
A lot of gentlemen and ladies were strolling in and out, the night being fine.