Traced the money. Came from Alan Argyll's bank, but be gave it to Six-smith for expenses. Argyll can account for all his time, both before and after the event. Clever devil. No second sum paid. Could be lots of reasons for that-but if Sixsmith cheated him, then he's a fool!

I am sure Argyll is the man behind it, but it was Sixsmith who actually handed it over, whatever he believed he was paying for. Followed his movements, found where he did it. I have no choice but to arrest him straightaway. I am not happy. We have the servant, not the master, but I have to charge him. We still have work to do.

Runcorn

Monk thanked the messenger and scribbled a note of acknowledgment back.

Dear Runcorn,

I understand, but we damned well do have work to do! Everything I can do, I will. Count on me.

Monk

He gave it to the messenger. Then when the door was closed, he swore with a pent-up fury that shocked him.

Argyll had cheated them. They had followed the trail, and ended by being forced to arrest a man they knew was innocent, while Argyll watched them and laughed. Damn him!

EIGHT

EIGHT

Wt was three days before Monk had time to consider the Havilland \^S case again. There was a large fire in one of the warehouses in the Pool of London, and the arsonists had attempted to escape by water. It was brought to a successful conclusion, but by the end of the second day Monk and his men were exhausted, filthy, and cold to the bone.

At half past eight, with the wind howling outside and the woodstove smelling of smoke, Monk was sitting in his office and finishing the last of his report when there was a knock on the door. He answered, and Clacton walked in, closing the door behind him. He came over to stand in front of the desk, looking casual and more elegant than perhaps he was aware.

"What is it?" Monk asked.

"Worked pretty 'ard the last couple o' days," Clacton observed.

"We all did," Monk replied. If Clacton was expecting any leave, he would be disappointed.

"Yeah," Clacton agreed. "You most of all... sir."

Monk was uncomfortable. He saw the gleam of anticipation in Clacton's eyes. "You didn't come in here to tell me that."

"Oh, but I did, sir," Clacton responded. "I know 'ow 'ard it must 'a bin for you, wot with your own business on the side an' all. Can't 'ave 'ad much time for that."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Monk demanded.

Clacton blinked and smiled. "Yer bit o' private work. For Mr. Argyll, is it? Findin' out 'oo killed 'is pa-in-law, and get 'em off the 'ook? Worth a bit, I shouldn't wonder." He left the added suggestion hanging in the air.