‘He insisted on my doing the summing up business. We both thought that as the espionage aspect of the thing was an open secret among them, it was best to let them know the truth. Simon Claire, for one, would have raised a hell of a dust if there had been any doubt left in his mind. As it is, they have all undertaken to say nothing. If you can adjourn the inquest and hold things over for a little it will give me a chance to dig a bit deeper before the principals realize quite how much we know.’

‘You don’t want to appear at all, I gather?’

‘Mr Septimus Falls will have to give evidence, I’m afraid, but he will not return to Wai-ata-tapu.’

Sergeant Webley passed his hand over his face and gave a low chuckle.

They all stood up and the Superintendent held out his hand. ‘It’s been a real privilege,’ he said. ‘I’m sure Webley has felt like that about it.’

‘I’ll say! A great day for me, sir.’

‘We’ll meet again, I hope, with a bigger catch.’

They shook hands. ‘I’ll warrant we do,’ said the Superintendent, ‘with you on the job. Goodbye, Mr Alleyn. Goodbye.’

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Surfeit of Lampreys

Death and the Dancing Footman

Colour Scheme

Died in the Wool

Final Curtain

Swing, Brother, Swing

Opening Night

Spinsters in Jeopardy

Scales of Justice

Off With His Head

Singing in the Shrouds

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Death at the Dolphin

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