‘We shall trace those dogs, alive or dead,’ said Mrs Bradley. ‘By the way, I wonder how much Mr Bill liked the Navy, and I wonder how much Mr Tiny liked giving up the Indian Police? – And, talking of the Indian Police, are you quite sure that you do justice to Mr Tiny’s mentality?’

‘So we’ve come back to Tiny, have we?’

‘Not at all, child. We have never left him. However, we are still waiting for evidence (of which there is still almost none) for our theory that the first death was murder. As for Mr Tiny …’

‘What about him?’ asked Jonathan, watching her. ‘And, by the way, that idea that Mrs Dalby Whittier might have been married to one of the Fullaloves seems to have sprung a leak, doesn’t it? – But what was that again about Tiny?’

‘I wonder what his Christian name is, child, that’s all.’

‘Oddly enough, it’s William. Bill’s real name was Clarence, so, of course, he had to be called Bill.’

‘Yes. Clarence Fullalove does not, somehow, suggest a Naval officer. And Tiny, I suppose, rather liked his nickname?’

‘Very pleased with it. Introduced himself to everybody as Tiny. It is only by the merest chance I know his name was William, and I’m sure he doesn’t know I know. I borrowed a jacket from him when I arrived at the bungalow wet through one day, almost as soon as I came here, and I wore it home. I shoved my tobacco pouch into the pocket, and, when I went to pull it out, I pulled out his identity card with it. I’d never given it another thought until now. I say, though …!’

‘Yes, yes, and indeed yes,’ said Mrs Bradley. ‘It certainly gives one a reason for deep thought and dark suspicions.’

‘Still, it would be the insurance company’s business, to begin with, I suppose?’

‘Undoubtedly. Our Mr Tiny may or may not be a murderer, but there is some reason for thinking that he has had an opportunity for fraud.’