‘Did he number Oswald Ferriday among his friends?’

‘Not as far as I know.’

‘What about Sir Marcus Brough?’

‘I’ve never heard that name mentioned.’

‘If he had no interest in politicians, then he probably hadn’t met Sir Roger before he fought a—’

‘That’s true,’ she said, interrupting him.

‘How would your husband have reacted to news of his death?’

‘I’ve no idea, Mr Skillen. We no longer live as man and wife, you see.’

‘That’s your business, Mrs Denley, and I’ve neither the right nor desire to pry into it. What I really wish to know is this: did Sir Roger ever describe someone to you as … well, a serious danger to him?’

She pondered. ‘There was someone,’ she said at length.

Luck was a crucial component of Harry Scattergood’s success. He’d lost count of the number of unlocked doors and half-open windows that had beckoned him in the past. Most people took care to guard their property, but he had the good fortune to come across householders who were less careful. It was almost as if they were begging to be robbed. In his pursuit of the reward money, he knew that the problem was to convince the Runners that his information was genuine. He therefore repaired to the Peacock Inn and glanced through the window.

Once again, he was in luck. Alfred Hale was there by himself. Had the Runner been with Micah Yeomans, it would have been different. Scattergood would have hesitated because it would have been more difficult to win the latter’s confidence. On his own, Hale was an easier target, less suspicious and more ready to listen. Instead of peering through the window, Scattergood used it as a mirror in which he could tip his hat slightly and adjust his apparel. When he felt his disguise was perfect, he strutted boldly into the Peacock as if it had been named after him.

‘I’m looking for Mr Yeomans,’ he announced.

‘He’s not here, sir,’ said Hale, politely. ‘I can speak for him. He and I work together. What might your business be with Mr Yeomans?’

‘I’ve come about the reward concerning the murder of Sir Roger Mellanby.’

‘Ah, I see.’ Hale became sceptical. ‘You’re not the first to do that,’ he went on, sizing the visitor up. ‘We’ve had fraudsters galore, each one turning up with a different pack of lies.’

‘Don’t insult me, sir.’

‘I’m just warning you.’

‘Clearly,’ said Scattergood with disdain, ‘I need to speak to Mr Yeomans himself rather than to an underling. I suspect that he’ll be a keener judge of character. What is your name, may I ask?’

‘Alfred Hale.’

‘When is Mr Yeomans likely to be here?’

‘If you can tarry for an hour or so, he’ll return.’