‘The second is to tell the others in confidence that I propose to spend the night in the wool-shed. That’ll prevent any unlawful espials up there, and give me a chance to get the tag end of a night’s sleep in my room. Actually, I can’t start work until daybreak, but they’re not to know that. After daybreak we’ll keep the shed, the track and the precincts generally, clear of intruders, but you need say nothing about that. Let them suppose I’m going up there now and that you oughtn’t to tell them. Let them suppose that I want them to believe I’m going to my room.’

‘They won’t think that kind of thing very like me,’ said Douglas solemnly. ‘I’m not the sort to cackle, you know.’

‘You’ll have to do a bit of acting. Make them understand that you’re not supposed to tell them. That’s most important.’

‘OK. What’s the third duty?’

‘Oh,’ said Alleyn wearily, ‘to lend me an alarm clock or knock me up before the household’s astir. Unless somebody shakes me up, I’ll miss the bus. I wish to Heaven you’d carried your electricity over to the shed. There’s important evidence lying there for the taking, but I must have light. Are you sure you follow me? Actually I’m going to my room. They are to suppose I’m going to the wool-shed, but want to be thought in bed.’

‘Yes,’ said Douglas. ‘I’ve got that. Jolly subtle.’

‘Will you give me an alarm clock, or call me?’

‘I’ll call you,’ said Douglas, who had begun to look important and tolerably happy again.

‘Good. And now ask Miss Lynne to come in here, will you?’

‘Terry? I say, couldn’t you…I mean…well, she’s had a pretty rough spin tonight. Couldn’t you…’

‘No,’ said Alleyn very firmly. ‘With homicide waiting to be served up cold on a plate, I’m afraid I couldn’t. Get her, like a good chap, and deliver your illicit information. Don’t forget Markins.’

Douglas moved unhappily to the door. Here he paused and a faint glint of complacency appeared on his face.

‘Markins, what?’ he said. His eyes travelled to Alleyn’s jaw. ‘I’m not one to ask questions out of my turn,’ he said, ‘but I bet it was Markins.’