‘You had what you were worth,’ insisted the other, grabbing him by the arm. ‘You’re a useless, drunken, unemployed actor whom no theatre manager would deign to touch, let alone engage. I not only gave you a role to play – if only for a second – I also rewarded you handsomely.’ He released his grip. ‘There’s an end to it. Do you understand? I never want to set eyes on you again.’

‘If you won’t pay me,’ said the actor, rubbing his arm gingerly, ‘then I’ll have to get the money from another source.’

‘What are you blabbering about?’

‘Clearly, you haven’t seen the reward notice. For information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who killed Sir Roger Mellanby, a reward of seven hundred pounds and fifty will be paid.’

‘So?’

‘All I have to do is to whisper your name and I’m a rich man.’

‘You wouldn’t dare!’ challenged the other.

‘Yes, I would – if you drive me to it.’

‘You’d only put yourself in danger as an accessory.’

‘There are ways to get around that inconvenience. I’d use a friend to speak to the Runners, then let him have a small share of the proceeds. Unless, of course …’

Having left his club with an air of quiet triumph, the man was now extremely worried. Patently, it was no idle threat. The actor he’d used really was in a position to imperil him. He couldn’t simply be shrugged off or silenced with a dire warning.

‘Very well,’ he said at length. ‘How much do you want?’

‘Two hundred and fifty pounds.’ The actor sniggered when he saw the expression of alarm on the other man’s face. ‘I could get a lot more if I name you as the assassin. Remember that.’ He stepped in closer. ‘Is it agreed?’

After a long pause, his companion gave a reluctant nod.

‘That’s settled, then,’ said the other, grinning.

‘You may have to wait a little.’

‘I want the money now.’

‘I can’t just conjure it out of the air.’

‘You killed a well-known member of the aristocracy. Someone must have paid you a great deal to do that. I want a share of it.’

‘Give me a few days.’

‘No – I won’t let you have a chance to disappear. I need it today.’

‘That’s going to be difficult.’

‘Then I’ll get the money from elsewhere,’ warned the actor, starting to walk away. ‘Farewell.’

‘Wait!’ said the other. ‘I’ll get it today somehow. I swear it.’

The actor came back to him. ‘Where and when shall we meet?’

‘I’ll send a message to your lodging.’

‘How do I know that I can trust you?’

‘I speak as one gentleman to another,’ asserted the man, looking him in the eye. ‘My word is my bond.’

He extended a hand and, after a few moments, the actor shook it.