Alleyn made a very thorough inspection and found the precautions rather more efficient than might have been expected. There were not, at large, many criminal virtuosi of the combination lock who would be equal to this one. It would have to be a cracksman’s job. An efficient burglar alarm had been installed and would go into action at the first attempt at entry into the theatre. Once the glove and documents were housed the safe would not be re-opened, the interior lighting and sliding doors in front of the glass panel being operated from a switch inside the wall cavity. He pointed out that one man on another man’s shoulders could effect a smash, snatch and grab and asked about watchmen. He was told that for as long as the objects were in the theatre, there would be a man on the landing. Jobbins, late Phipps Bros, was revealed in a brand new uniform. He was to be on duty from four up to midnight when he would be relieved by a trained man from a security organization. Jobbins would sleep on the premises in an unused dressing-room and could be roused in case of need. A second man already on duty would take over at 8 a.m. and remain in the foyer until Jobbins returned at four. The burglar alarm would be switched on by Jobbins after the show when he locked up for the night.

Alleyn had been fully informed of these arrangements when Peregrine walked into the office. As they shook hands he saw the pallor and the shadows under the eyes and thought: ‘First night terrors, poor chap.’

‘Mr Alleyn’s had a look at our security measures,’ Morris said, ‘and thinks they’ll pass muster. He’s going to wait and see the treasure safely stored.’ His telephone rang. ‘Excuse me.’

Alleyn said to Peregrine: ‘You’re all in the throes of every kind of preoccupation. Don’t pay any attention to me. If I may: while I’m waiting I’ll look at this enchanting theatre. What a superb job you’ve done.’

This was unlike Peregrine’s idea of a plain-clothes policeman. Alleyn had reached the door before he said: ‘I’ll show you round, sir.’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it. If I may just wander. You’re up to your neck, I’m sure.’

‘On the contrary. Morris is, but my problem,’ Peregrine said, ‘is not having anything real to do. I’d like to show you The Dolphin.’

‘Well, in that case –’

It was a comprehensive tour. Alleyn was so clearly interested and so surprisingly well-informed that Peregrine actually enjoyed himself. He found himself talking about the play and what he had tried to do with it and how it had been born of his first sight of Hamnet Shakespeare’s glove.