‘Tell me what your investigation into the murder of Sir Roger Mellanby has so far revealed,’ said Kirkwood. ‘What solid evidence have you gathered?’

‘We’ve been working all hours, sir,’ said Yeomans.

‘At this very moment,’ added Hale, ‘we have men combing London.’

‘It’s only a matter of time before we catch him, sir.’

‘In other words,’ said Kirkwood, icily, ‘you have nothing of import to tell me.’

‘That’s not true. Hale and I have made what we feel is a big stride forward.’

‘Yes,’ his partner chimed in. ‘We made contact with a gentleman by the name of Giles Clearwater who was actually there at the moment when Sir Roger was shot dead. Mr Clearwater saw the killer flee.’

Kirkwood’s eye kindled. ‘And will this gentleman lead you to him?’

‘Yes, sir – we have a firm promise.’

‘It’s only a matter of time, sir,’ said Yeomans. ‘At first sight, I judged the fellow to be another fraudster, but he soon convinced me that he was telling the truth.’

‘Then where is he now?’ asked the chief magistrate.

‘We are expecting him any moment, sir.’

‘Then you expect him in vain, Yeomans. He was so unimpressed by the way that you and Hale treated him yesterday that he came directly to me instead. I have heard the full story that you were too stupid to draw out of him.’

‘But we listened patiently to him,’ said Yeomans. ‘By questioning him closely, we heard all that he had to say.’

‘His account differs from yours and I’m bound to say that it’s far more convincing. As a result, I have heard the salient details that you should have got from him. When a witness brings in such significant information, your duty is to gather it. Instead, you and Hale let Mr Clearwater slip through your fingers,’ said Kirkwood with withering scorn. ‘In other words, you were far too busy thinking about the ale and pies at the Peacock to do what you’re paid to do.’

Yeomans and Hale exchanged a despairing glance.

Harry Scattergood, meanwhile, was celebrating the apparent success of his plan between the thighs of a compliant woman with a lilting Welsh accent.