‘I’ve only looked in for a moment,’ he said. ‘We’re running late. How are you, Miss Emily? Bored to sobs, I’m afraid.’

‘Good evening, Roderique. No, I am not unduly bored, though I have missed taking my walk.’

‘It’s no weather for walking, I assure you. How are they treating you?’

‘This morning the chambermaid’s manner was equivocal and at luncheon I found the waiter impertinent. Tonight, however, there is a marked change. It appears that I am, or was, suspected of murder,’ said Miss Emily.

‘What makes you think so?’

‘Before taking my siesta I ventured out on the balcony. There was a group of children on the steps leading to the hotel. When they saw me they began to chant. I will not trouble you with the words. The intention was inescapable.’

‘Little animals.’

‘Oh, perfectly. It was of no moment.’

There was a tap on the door and a waiter came in.

‘Thank you,’ said Miss Emily. ‘You may clear.’

Alleyn watched the man for a moment and then said:

‘I’d like a word with you, if you please.’

‘With me, sir?’

‘Yes. I am a Superintendent of Scotland Yard, in charge of investigations into the death of Miss Elspeth Cost. I think perhaps the staff of the hotel should be informed that this lady is associated with me in the case and may be regarded as an expert. Do you understand?’

‘Yes, sir. Certainly, sir. I’m sure I hope madam has no complaints, sir.’

‘I hope so, too. She hasn’t made any but I shall do so if any more idiotic nonsense is circulated. You may say so to anybody that is interested.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ said the waiter and withdrew.

‘Chose remarquable!’ said Miss Emily. ‘So now, it appears I am a detectrice.’

‘It’ll be all over the hotel in five minutes and Portcarrow will have it by morning. About your transport to Dunlowman – ’

‘Do not trouble yourself. The young man – Patrick – has offered to drive us,’ Miss Emily said with an air of amusement.

‘I see. It may be pretty rough going across to the village, if this weather persists.’

‘No matter.’

‘Before I go, would you mind very much if we went over one incident: the few minutes, round about twenty to eight, when you hung your notice by the Spring?’

‘Certainly,’ Miss Emily said. She repeated her story. She had seen Wally down on the road. He had whooped, chanted, waved his arms and afterwards disappeared. She had seen nobody else and had returned to the hotel with her umbrella between herself and the prospect.

‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I know. I just wanted to hear it again. Thank you, Miss Emily. You don’t ask me how the case progresses, I notice.’

‘You would tell me, no doubt, if you wished to do so.’

‘Well,’ he said. ‘I always think it’s unlucky to talk at this stage: but it does progress.’