‘Of course, chief. But you might remind the powers that be that this is one of a series of crimes that includes two murders and one attempted murder. There’s talk in London that the government might even fall over the Ripper murders.’

‘You’re reading the wrong newspapers, Swallow,’ Mallon answered curtly. ‘There’s no likelihood of that, although it’s more than a little embarrassing for the Home Secretary. Tell me, how’ll you manage for language there? You don’t speak German, I suppose?’

‘No, chief. But this Kapitän Pfaus seems to have enough English to write a fairly long telegram. We’ll manage.’

Mallon sighed.

‘You can take it that I’ll manage the money. Do a minute for Jack Burton outside in my office to let him know the details of when you’re travelling. He’ll make the bookings and he’ll have the cash. You’ll need travel documents, a Home Office letter . . . a passport, as they call it. He’ll take care of that too. I suppose you’ll have Mossop act up for you on the murders while you’re away?’

‘He knows most about the files, chief.’

Mallon nodded.

‘I agree.’

The unspoken understanding was that in having Pat Mossop undertake an inspector’s duties for a few days he would garner an extra pound or two to meet the costs of maintaining his large family.

‘And what about Charlie Vanucchi?’ Mallon asked. ‘You’re due to hear back from him on the Ellen Byrne murder. What arrangements will you make to keep the pressure on Charlie?’

‘I’ll brief Mossop on that too, chief. It’s always been understood that when Vanucchi can’t reach me for whatever reason, he talks to Pat.’

Mallon nodded unenthusiastically.

‘Fair enough. Just make sure that Mossop keeps me informed of any developments.’

‘Right, chief. All that will be done. Now, I’ll go and do some homework on the train timetables. And I’ll have to fix things with the Berlin people so they’re prepared to assist.’

Harry Lafeyre had invited Swallow and Maria to ring in the New Year with himself and Lily over dinner at the United Services Club on St Stephen’s Green. It was always a good night, and Swallow and Maria had enjoyed Lafeyre’s hospitality there on many occasions before. But by the time he had researched the boat and train timetables and prepared instructions for Mallon’s clerk, he was running late. Maria would be anxious, he knew. He had assured her he would be at Thomas Street in plenty of time to change and make sure he was looking he was looking smart.