‘No, that this specimen was reading a newspaper.’

Anger flashed in the Weasel’s eyes, not ameliorated by Flint’s obvious amusement at the remark.

‘As for the content of the story,’ Raven went on, ‘I think we can both imagine a more likely explanation for how that came about. No less an authority than Dr John Snow has disputed these sensational accounts of the use of chloroform in criminal matters. It is nigh impossible to administer it against a person’s will.’

‘Then why would you have an objection to supplying me with it?’

‘Because there are ample possibilities, if one has the imagination.’

Flint pulled his feet off the desk and stood up from his chair. He was shorter than Raven, but there was an energy about him that was intimidating.

‘Are you refusing me, Doctor?’

‘Yes. If you wish to restore my pecuniary debt, very well. I will see it paid to be rid of you. Minus the fees I would expect for having delivered your wife of her child,’ he reminded him.

Flint stepped closer, their faces only inches apart.

‘I don’t think you understand. If I ask something of you, you do it, or there will be consequences.’

At that moment, Gargantua loomed in the doorway, demonstrating that he had been awaiting his cue, while before him the Weasel pulled out his knife.

SIXTEEN

arah put the last of the doctor’s instruments back into the battered leather bag and put on her coat. Their patient – Mrs Sutherland – was now wrapped in blankets and seemed much relieved that her ordeal was over. She was a fragile and anxious old lady and Dr Simpson had asked Sarah to accompany him as he thought that chloroform might be required for the minor procedure that he wished to perform. In the end the lady had managed without the aid of an anaesthetic, Sarah’s presence alone providing suitable reassurance and distraction.

‘I shall return in a day or two, Mrs Sutherland,’ Dr Simpson said, waving over his shoulder.

As they left the house, Sarah thought that this represented as good an opportunity as any to broach the subject that had been preying on her mind.

‘Is there ever any bleeding when such a procedure is performed?’ she asked.

‘The procedure itself or when the lint is removed?’

‘At any point. How likely would it be that there is significant bleeding?’

Dr Simpson stopped walking.

‘Significant haemorrhage would be unusual in such a case. At any point in the proceedings. Why do you ask?’ He looked at her with those piercing eyes which immediately told her he would not be fooled. He knew precisely why she was asking.

‘I know about the letters in the Monthly Journal,’ she admitted.

‘Are you worried that what they say is true?’ he asked.

‘Of course not,’ she said, hurt that he might believe that to be the case. ‘But such slander should not go uncontested.’