‘There were so much noise and bustle and that awful stink is still in my nostrils. Forgive me for speaking out, sir. I’ve no wish to offend.’

‘You’re the person who’s been offended, Mr Hooper, and you have my sympathy. In our own small way, my brother and I try to police the city. It’s like trying to drain a sea of crime with only one bucket between us.’

‘That’s why I’m so grateful you’re taking on this case.’

‘Sir Roger’s family deserve to know what happened,’ said Peter, ‘and I’ll be able to pass on the details that my brother gave me. I won’t be the first to break the dreadful news, however. They’ll have dispatched a courier by now. By riding hard and changing horses regularly, he’ll get there ahead of us. Besides, it will be dark by the time our coach finally arrives.’

‘You’ll need somewhere to stay,’ said Hooper, shuffling his feet in embarrassment. ‘We’ve only a small house but you’re welcome to a bed if you need somewhere to lay your head tonight.’

‘Thank you,’ said Peter. ‘I’ll gladly accept that kind offer.’

‘There’s one more thing.’

‘What’s that?’

‘When I’m at the Black Horse wi’ my friends, I can make a speech at the drop of a hat. Words just gush out of my mouth. It were different wi’ Sir Roger. In his company, I were always tongue-tied. It’ll be the same wi’ his family. My voice will disappear again. When we meet them,’ said Hooper, ‘do you think that you could do the talking?’

Peter gave him a reassuring smile. ‘Leave it to me.’

CHAPTER SIX

When he heard the clang of the doorbell, Hector Golightly hoped that the Runners might have returned to his house with good news about the manhunt. He was disappointed to learn that his visitor was a complete stranger. However, he was impressed by the sight of the tall, lithe, handsome figure of Paul Skillen when the latter stepped into the drawing room. Dismissing the butler who’d admitted the newcomer, Golightly let Paul introduce himself and explain why he’d come. The older man subjected him to a penetrating gaze.

‘You say that you’re here in connection with the death of Sir Roger Mellanby,’ he observed. ‘Could you be more specific?’

‘I was there at the time, Captain Golightly.’

‘Really? Are you claiming that you were part of that motley crew outside the stage door?’

‘Not exactly,’ said Paul. ‘Everyone else was there to admire Miss Granville, the famous actress who plays Lady Macbeth. My job was to escort her safely through the crowd. I do that every night. If you doubt me, Miss Granville will confirm it.’

‘Are you employed by the lady?’

‘We are … close friends.’

‘I see.’