Golightly waved Paul to a chair and sat opposite him, still maintaining his intense scrutiny of his visitor’s face.

‘I want a detailed account of what happened,’ said Golightly. ‘I’ve already had one version of events from a Runner by the name of Yeomans. It was rather garbled.’

‘Micah Yeomans is not famed for his clarity.’

‘You know him?’

‘We are in constant touch,’ said Paul with a twinkle in his eye.

He went on to give an account of what had occurred the previous night. It was both succinct yet comprehensive. Golightly was pleased because it had the lucidity and accuracy of a military report. All of the supplementary questions he went on to aim at Paul were answered honestly and satisfactorily. The captain sat back in his chair and relaxed slightly.

‘Why did you come to me?’

‘I was told that you were a close friend of Sir Roger’s.’

‘It’s true. We were due to attend a meeting of the Hampden Club this afternoon before coming back here for dinner. Who gave you my name?’

‘It was a man named Hooper who came here from Nottingham with Sir Roger. He was due to speak at the meeting you just referred to. Instead of that, he’s now travelling back home with sad tidings. Hooper had heard mention of your name by Sir Roger but had no idea where you lived.’

‘Then how did you find me?’

‘I went to Stevens’ Hotel in Bond Street. Since it’s a haven for army officers, I felt that someone was bound to have heard of Captain Golightly. In fact, you were well known to most of the officers there.’

‘That was very enterprising of you, Skillen.’

‘It was important to locate you.’

‘Why is that?’

‘I need your help.’

‘What can I possibly do?’

‘Without realising it,’ said Paul, ‘you might have some idea who was behind the murder.’ Golightly shook his head. ‘Consider this. In order to fire the fatal shot, the assassin had to know where and when he could find his target. In short, the person who hired him had to be familiar with Sir Roger’s habits. He knew that he would attend last night’s performance in Covent Garden and that he’d feel impelled to go to the stage door for a glimpse – if not more – of Miss Granville.’

‘What are you telling me?’

‘I’m telling you what you already know about Sir Roger’s character. As soon as he arrived in London, he sought diversion. After all the effort of getting here, you’d have expected him to need a restorative meal and a long rest. Yet he disdained the cuisine of the celebrated Jacquiers at the Clarendon Hotel and went off to the theatre.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you follow my reasoning, Captain?’

‘I’m beginning to, Mr Skillen.’

‘We could be looking for someone within Sir Roger’s circle.’