‘We were hoping you’d bring him here,’ said Yeomans, joining them. ‘We need to have a serious talk with the man.’

‘That won’t be possible, Mr Yeomans,’ said Ruddock. ‘I could find neither hide nor hair of him. Nobody had ever heard of Clearwater, let alone befriended him.’

‘Are you daring to tell us that you failed?’

‘It was not for want of trying, sir. I spoke to hundreds of people.’

‘Clearwater is the only one who interests me.’

‘He’s vanished into thin air, Mr Yeomans.’

Hale was aghast. ‘Didn’t you find out where he lived?’

‘No, sir, I didn’t.’

‘We expected more from you than this, Chevy.’

‘I’m sorry, sir. I kept at it for hours.’ He brightened. ‘There is one small ray of sunshine, however. In the Golden Crown, I met an old man who said that he vaguely remembered the name.’

‘What use is that?’ demanded Yeomans. ‘We need more than some old fool with a bad memory.’

‘He felt sure that it would come back to him. He asked me to leave my name and address so that he could send word when his mind cleared. I told him to contact me here.’

‘Who exactly is this man?’

‘His name is Simeon Howlett. He’s a retired actor.’

‘I’ll wager that he tried to cadge money off you.’

‘No, he didn’t,’ said Ruddock. ‘It was a drink.’

‘And you were stupid enough to buy it for him, I daresay.’

‘You’re far too soft-hearted, Chevy,’ said Hale. ‘People take advantage of you. This old man you talk about used you. He’s never heard of Clearwater and he’s not going to send you a message to confirm that he’s remembered something about the man. You were well and truly hoodwinked.’

‘I’m sorry, Mr Hale,’ said Ruddock, head bowed in apology. ‘I did my best, sir. The truth is … he made me believe in him.’

Yeomans laughed cruelly and Hale rolled his eyes. They were about to admonish him together when the door opened and, right on cue, a boy entered.

‘I’m looking for a Mr Ruddock,’ he said.

‘That’s him,’ said Hale, pointing.

‘I’m to deliver this letter from Mr Howlett.’

‘There you are,’ said Ruddock. ‘What did I tell you?’

‘You’re to read the message and I’m to take your reply back to him.’

He handed the letter over and waited. Ruddock opened it and read what had been written in a spidery and barely decipherable hand.

‘Well,’ said Yeomans, ‘what does the fellow say?’

‘He says that he’s finally remembered who Giles Clearwater is.’

‘And who is he?’

‘He’ll only tell me if I go to the Golden Crown.’

‘It’s a trick,’ sneered Yeomans. ‘He just wants to get another free drink out of you. Tear up the letter and give this lad a clip around the ear for being party to this deception.’