‘You can’t think I would do it!’ Donald said. ‘You can’t! You’ve been our friend. You can’t treat me like this, as though I was just anybody under suspicion. You know us! Surely to God—!’

Alleyn’s voice cut coldly across his protestations.

‘I am an investigating officer employed by the police. I must behave as if I had no friends while I am working on this case. If you think for a little you will see that this must be so. At the risk of sounding pompous I must go a bit further and tell you that if I found my friendship with your uncle, your mother, or yourself, was in any way influencing my conduct of this case I should be obliged to give up. Ask to be relieved of the job. Already I have spoken to you as a friend—I should not have done this. If you are innocent, you are in no danger unless you prevaricate or shift ground, particularly in matters relating to your acquaintance with Captain Withers.’

‘You can’t suspect Withers! Why should he want to kill Uncle Bunch? It’s got nothing to do with him.’

‘In that case he has nothing to fear.’

‘On that account, of course, he hasn’t. I mean—oh, hell!’

‘Where were you when you lost this money to him?’

‘In a private house.’

‘Where was it?’

‘Somewhere near Leatherhead. Shackleton House, I think it’s called.’

‘Was it his house?’

‘Ask him. Ask him. Why do you badger me with all this! My God, isn’t it enough that I should be faced with the other business! I can’t stand any more. Let me out of this.’

‘You may go, certainly. There will be a statement for you to sign later on.’

Donald got up and walked to the door. He turned and faced Alleyn.

‘I’m as anxious as you,’ he said, ‘that the man should be caught. Naturally, I’m as anxious as anybody.’

‘Good,’ said Alleyn.

Donald’s face was puckered into the sort of grimace a small boy makes when he is trying not to cry. For some reason this gave him a strong look of his uncle. Alleyn felt his heart turn over. He got up, crossed the room in six long strides, and took Donald roughly by the arm.

‘There!’ he said, ‘if you’re innocent you’re safe. As for this other mess you’ve got yourself into, stick to the truth and we’ll do what we can for you. Tell your mama the house is rid of us for the time being. Now, march!’

He turned Donald round, shoved him through the door, and slammed it behind him.