‘Thank you for coming so promptly,’ he said.

‘There was a sense of urgency in your letter.’

‘I have news for you, Mr Skillen.’

‘Is it good news?’

‘It may be – then again, it may not.’

‘I’m intrigued to hear it.’

‘Another murder has taken place,’ he said.

‘That’s hardly news, Captain. Unfortunately, it happens all the time. London is the most dangerous city in Europe. Corpses turn up much too often.’

‘This one is rather special.’

‘Why is that?’

‘It was found in an alleyway in Covent Garden.’

‘Ah.’ Paul’s curiosity was ignited. ‘Tell me more, I pray.’

‘When I first heard of the crime, I assumed that the victim was some scabby beggar or some bothersome trull who’d harassed a client once too much. The area is plagued by such wretches. In fact, it was a young gentleman in the best of health until someone plunged a dagger through his heart.’

‘How did you hear of this?’

‘I felt it was unfair to leave all the work to you, Mr Skillen, so I took it upon myself to gather what I hope might be useful information.’

‘I need all the help I can get.’

‘Well,’ said the other, ‘the first thing I did was to visit the place where the body was found. It was less than twenty yards away from the Golden Crown, a tavern used primarily by actors from the nearby theatres.’

‘I know it well,’ said Paul, ‘and it is a haunt of thespians, especially those who are out of work. Theatre managers often drink there so it is a place where unemployed actors can court them with a view to securing an engagement.’ He looked at Golightly. ‘Are you telling me that the murder victim was an actor?’

‘I’ve no means of knowing but it does seem possible. Since I’m acquainted with Mr Kirkwood, the chief magistrate, I went to Bow Street to learn what I could about the case.’

‘What were you told?’

‘Simply this – a gentleman had been stabbed to death and had his purse stolen. There was nothing on him to indicate his name but the description of him as being flamboyantly attired was enough to interest me. He was killed very close to the place where Sir Roger met his death. Could he have been involved in it in some way?’

‘That’s sound thinking, Captain. You’ve done well.’

‘I’m not entirely without experience when it comes to snooping. I was trained to lead scouting expeditions in the army.’

‘Your skills have been put to good use.’

‘Be warned,’ said Golightly, ‘what I’m suggesting is based on an assumption. It could well be that the murder victim had nothing whatsoever to do with Sir Roger’s murder. I just felt that I should bring to your attention what few details I’ve garnered.’

‘I’m very grateful to you.’