‘That goes for me,’ said Simon. ‘I’ve got three pairs. They can look at the lot for mine.’

‘Very well,’ said Dr Ackrington. ‘Next, they require to know our movements. Perhaps each of us has already been asked to account for himself. You, Agnes, and you, Barbara, are naturally not personally involved. Nevertheless you may be questioned about us. You should be prepared.’

‘Yes, dear. But if we are asked any questions we tell the truth don’t we? It’s so simple,’ said Mrs Claire, opening her eyes very wide, ‘just to tell the truth, isn’t it?’

‘Possibly. It’s the interpretation this incubus may put upon the truth that should concern us. When I tell you that he has three times taken me through a recital of my own movements and has not made so much as a single note upon my theory of disappearance, you may understand my anxiety.’

‘Won’t he listen to the idea?’ asked Gaunt anxiously and then added at once: ‘No. No. He questioned me in the same way. He suspects one of us. We’re in danger.’

‘I think you underrate Webley,’ said Falls. ‘I must confess that I cannot see why you are so anxious. He is following police procedure, which, of necessity, may be a little cumbersome. After all Questing has gone and the manner of his going must be investigated.’

‘Quite right,’ said the Colonel. ‘Very sensible. Matter of routine. What I told you, James.’

‘And in the absence of motive,’ Mr Falls continued, and was interrupted by Dr Ackrington.

‘Motive!’ he shouted. ‘Absence of motive! My dear man, he will find the path to Taupo-tapu littered with alleged motives. Even I—I am suspect if it comes to motive.’

‘Good Lord,’ said the Colonel, ‘I suppose you are, James! You’ve been calling the chap a spy and saying shootin’ was too good for him for the last three months or more!’

‘And what about you, my good Edward? I imagine your position is fairly well known by this time.’

‘James! Please!’ cried Mrs Claire.

‘Nonsense, Agnes. Don’t be such an ostrich. We all know Questing had Edward under his thumb. It’s common gossip.’

Gaunt shook a finger at Simon. ‘And what about you?’ he said. ‘You come into the picture, don’t you?’ He glanced at Barbara, and Dikon wished most profoundly that he had never confided in him.

Simon said quickly: ‘I’ve never tried to make out I liked him. He was a traitor. If he’s cleared out I hope they get him. The police know what I thought about Questing. I’ve told them. And if I’m in the picture so are you, Mr Gaunt. You looked as if you’d like to scrag him yourself after he’d finished his little speech last night.’