‘When the shot was fired, you hurried him in through the stage door.’

‘You see, Micah?’

‘Be quiet,’ said Yeomans.

‘Mr Clearwater really was there.’

‘Let me do the talking.’ He narrowed his eyes. ‘Who put you up to this?’

‘What do you mean?’ asked Scattergood, feigning innocence.

‘Was it Paul Skillen?’

‘I’m unfamiliar with that name.’

‘He really was outside the theatre.’

‘So were lots of other people, Mr Yeomans.’

‘He could have told you what happened.’

‘There was no need. I was as much a witness as this Paul Skillen was. Question me as closely as you wish. I’ve no reason to deceive you. I’m simply trying to help you catch a killer.’

‘I think he means it,’ said Hale.

‘Keep your mouth shut.’

‘Sorry, Micah.’

‘Very well,’ said Yeomans. ‘Let me test you. Imagine that this room is the area outside the Covent Garden Theatre. The door behind you is the stage door. Do you understand, Mr Clearwater?’

‘Yes, I do,’ said Scattergood. ‘You want to ask me where I was standing.’ He moved into position. ‘I was roughly about here when you and Mr Hale arrived. I was one of a cluster of gentlemen trying to get a good view of Miss Granville.’

‘So where did the shot come from?’

Scattergood pointed a finger. ‘It was in that corner.’

‘He’s right,’ said Hale. ‘He had to be there to know that.’

Yeomans was still doubtful. ‘I wonder …’

‘This is getting tedious,’ said Scattergood with disgust. ‘Since you clearly don’t believe me, I’ll give you time to ponder what I’ve told you. Wiser counsel may then prevail. I, meanwhile, will be going to the theatre once again to see the ravishing Miss Granville give her final performance as Lady Macbeth. I wouldn’t miss that for anything. Goodbye.’

Leaving them open-mouthed, Scattergood went out with a flourish.

Peter Skillen was so perturbed at having deprived Seth Hooper and his wife of their marriage bed that he decided to spend the second night at the Black Horse. He therefore retrieved his valise from their house and showered Winifred Hooper with thanks. Apart from easing his conscience, it also meant that he simply had to descend the stairs to attend the meeting that evening. Several of those who turned up had already met him. The remainder accepted him at once on Hooper’s recommendation. Peter was interested to see how much weight the brush-maker carried. When he was not quashed into silence by the Radical Dandy, he was a natural leader. Before the meeting, Peter had the opportunity to talk to some of the others in the group and it was an education for him. He soon realised that living in London had cut him off from important events taking part in the provinces. One name interested him.

‘What did you call them?’ he asked.

‘Blanketeers,’ replied a thickset man with a fringe beard and gruff voice.

‘Why was that?’