‘Mr Hooper is correct,’ said Peter. ‘He made contact with me on behalf of the association to which he and Sir Roger belong. You’ll remember that the two of them travelled together to London to speak at the Hampden Club.’

‘I’m well aware of Sir Roger’s movements,’ said Oxley, sharply.

‘Then you’ll be equally aware of the faith he placed in Mr Hooper.’

‘That’s irrelevant.’

‘I feel that we should be grateful to Mr Skillen,’ said David.

‘The matter should be kept firmly in more official hands. When a crime takes place in London, surely it’s the business of the Bow Street Runners to solve it.’

‘Then where are they, Mr Oxley? It was they who dispatched a courier with the dreadful news of my father’s death, but there’s no sign of them actually coming here to keep us abreast of developments.’

‘Nor will there be,’ explained Peter. ‘London is awash with crime and the Runners simply do not have enough men at their disposal to police the city with any real effect. They certainly have none to spare on a visit here. We are seasoned rivals of theirs. Where they falter, my brother and I have been in the fortunate position of taking their place and achieving success.’

‘I beg leave to doubt that,’ said Oxley with a sniff. ‘If you are such skilful detectives, why are you and your brother not in the capital together this very moment searching for the killer?’

‘We have divided our forces. While Paul is on the trail of the assassin in London, I am hunting for his paymaster.’

Oxley’s cheeks reddened. ‘You’re surely not suggesting that the plot to kill Sir Roger was hatched here in Nottinghamshire,’ he cried. ‘That’s a ludicrous suggestion. Your journey here has been a complete waste of time.’

‘Not at all,’ said David. ‘I’m very grateful to Mr Skillen for coming all this way to give me the precise details of my father’s death. It shows consideration. My brother and my sister will be equally grateful.’

‘I hope to meet them both in due course,’ said Peter. ‘All three of you can provide me with information about Sir Roger that could be significant in a way that you’d never imagine. And the same goes for you,’ he continued, turning to Oxley. ‘In view of the close relationship you had with Sir Roger, your assistance will be of paramount importance. I do hope that I may count on it.’

Oxley spluttered.

CHAPTER EIGHT