Alleyn led the way into the passage. Inspector Fox took the opportunity to say, in a hoarse whisper:

"He's very worried over this case, Mr. Bathgate. You always know. All this funny business." He had the air of a Nannie, discussing her charge.

A policeman and two plain clothes men awaited them. "Unicorn Theatre," said Alleyn.

"There's a couple of those blasted Pressmen outside," said Fox as they started. "Begging your pardon, Mr. Bathgate."

"Oh," said Alleyn, "we'll go in at the little street behind the theatre. It connects with one of the exits. We can go through the stalls, into the office. Bathgate, you can walk round to the front and swap a bit of agony column with your brother-pests, and then come down the stage door alley-way, all casual. Show this card to the officer on duty there, and he'll let you in. You'll get there as soon as we do. Spin them ayarn."

"Watch me!" said Nigel enthusiastically.

Alleyn gave Fox an account of Nigel's experience in the Sloane Street flat. Fox stared at Nigel as though he was an adventurous child.

The car threaded its way through a maze of narrow streets. Presently Fox tapped on the window, and they stopped.

"This is the back of the Unicorn," said Alleyn. "Out you get, Bathgate. Up there, and round to the left, will bring you out in front. I'll give you a start."

Nigel was conscious that his heart beat thickly as he ran up the side street. He dropped into a walk as he turned towards the impressive modern front of the theatre, with its bas-relief, in black glass and steel, of a star-spotted unicorn. There, sure enough, were two brother-journalists, both of whom he knew slightly.

"Nosing round?" asked Nigel cheerfully.

"And you?" answered one politely.

"I've got a date with the comedienne. If you watch this alley-way, you may see something to your advantage."

"What are you up to?" they asked him suspiciously. "You with your pals in the force."

"Watch me, and see."

He walked airily down the stage door alley-way, till he came to a side door into the front of the house. A uniformed constable was on duty here. He assumed a patiently reproachful air as Nigel drew near him, but when he read Alleyn's card he grinned and opened the door.

"Straight up those stairs, sir," he said.

Nigel cocked a snook at his friends and walked in.

The stairs, which were heavily carpeted, ran up to the dress circle foyer. Here Nigel found Alleyn, Fox, and the two plain clothes detectives, talking to a fifth man whom he had not seen before.