‘Illington Police Station, South Devon, 8th August.

Dear Mr Alleyn,—Yours of the 6th inst. to hand for which I thank you. As regards Mr Abel Pomeroy I am very grateful for information received as per your letter as it enabled me to deal with Pomeroy more effectively, knowing the action he had taken as regards visiting C1. For your private information we are working on the case which presents one or two features which seem to preclude possibility of accident. Well Mr Alleyn—Rory, if you will pardon the liberty—it was nice to hear from you. I have not forgotten that arson case in ‘37 nor the old days in L Division. A country Super gets a bit out of things.

With kind regards and many thanks,

Yours faithfully,
N. W. Harper, Superintendent.’

Part of a letter from Colonel the Hon. Maxwell Brammington, Chief Constable of South Devon, to the Superintendent of the Central Branch of New Scotland Yard:

‘—and on the score of the deceased’s interests and activities being centred in London, I have suggested to Superintendent Harper that he consult you. In my opinion the case is somewhat beyond the resources and experience of our local force. Without wishing for a moment to exceed my prerogative in this matter, I venture to suggest that as we are already acquainted with Chief Detective-Inspector Alleyn of C1, we should be delighted if he was appointed to this case. That, however, is of course entirely for you to decide.

I am,
Yours faithfully,
Maxwell Brammington, CC.’

‘Well, Mr Alleyn,’ said the Superintendent of C1, staring at the horseshoe and crossed swords that garnished the walls of his room, ‘you seem to be popular in South Devon.’

‘It must be a case, sir,’ said Alleyn, ‘of sticking to the ills they know.’

‘Think so? Well, I’ll have a word with the AC. You’d better pack your bag and tell your wife.’

‘Certainly, sir.’

‘You knew Watchman, didn’t you?’

‘Slightly, sir. I’ve had all the fun of being turned inside out by him in the witness-box.’

‘In the Davidson case?’

‘And several others.’

‘I seem to remember you were equal to him. But didn’t you know him personally?’

‘Slightly.’

‘He was a brilliant counsel.’

‘He was indeed.’

‘Well, watch your step and do us proud.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Taking Fox?’

‘If I may.’

‘That’s all right. We’ll hear from you.’

Alleyn returned to his room, collected his emergency suitcase and kit, and sent for Fox.

‘Br’er Fox,’ he said, ‘this is a wish-fulfilment. Get your fancy pyjamas and your toothbrush. We catch the midday train for South Devon.’

II