‘Yes. But Jobbins pointed out he’d be well on his way. So we said good night and –’

‘Yes?’

‘I’ve just remembered. Do you know what we said to each other? I said: “This is your last watch” and he said: “That’s right. Positively the last appearance.” Because the treasure was to be taken away today, you see. And after that Jobbins wouldn’t have had to be glued to the half-landing.’

Greenslade and Fox made slight appropriate noises. Alleyn waited for a moment and then said: ‘And so you said good night and you and Miss Dunne left? By the stage-door?’

‘Yes.’

‘Was it locked? Before you left?’

‘No. Wait a moment, though. I think the Yale lock was on but certainly not the bolts. Hawkins came in by the stage-door. He had a key. He’s a responsible man from a good firm though you wouldn’t think it from his behaviour tonight. He let himself in and then shot the bolts.’

‘Yes,’ Alleyn said. ‘We got that much out of him. Nothing else you can tell us?’

Peregrine said: ‘Not so far as I can think. But all the same I’ve got a sort of notion that there’s some damn’ thing I’ve forgotten. Some detail.’

‘To do with what? Any idea?’

‘To do with – I don’t know. The boy, I think.’

‘The boy?’

‘I fancy I was thinking about a production of The Cherry Orchard, but – no, it’s gone and I daresay it’s of no consequence.’

Mr Greenslade said: ‘I know this is not your concern, Alleyn, but I hope you don’t mind my raising the point with Jay. I should like to know what happens to the play. Does the season continue? I am unfamiliar with theatrical practice.’

Peregrine said with some acidity: ‘Theatrical practice doesn’t habitually cover the death by violence of one of its employees.’

‘Quite.’

‘But all the same,’ Peregrine said, ‘there is a certain attitude –’

‘Quite. Yes. The – er – “the show”,’ quoted Mr Greenslade selfconsciously, ‘“must go on”.’

‘I think we should go on. The boy’s understudy’s all right. Tomorrow – no, today’s Sunday, which gives us a chance to collect ourselves.’ Peregrine fetched up short and turned to Alleyn. ‘Unless,’ he said, ‘the police have any objection.’

‘It’s a bit difficult to say at this juncture, you know, but we should be well out of The Dolphin by Monday night. Tomorrow night, in fact. You want an answer long before that, of course. I think I may suggest that you carry on as if for performance. If anything crops up to change the situation we shall let you know at once.’

With an air of shocked discovery Peregrine said: ‘There’s a great deal to be done. There’s that – that – that – dreadful state of affairs on the half-landing.’

‘I’m afraid we shall have to take up a section of the carpet. My chaps will do that. Can you get it replaced in time?’