He carefully undressed the corpse, folding each item and setting it on the bench. Brown’s search had been thorough and the pockets were empty.

A shadow moved across the door and Caleb turned to see Amos Burrell, hat in his hands.

‘We’re going to miss ’im.’ Amos said.

‘Yes, we will,’ Caleb agreed.

‘Just thought I’d pay my last respects,’ Amos said. ‘That bloody English cove is threatening to ’ave me ’orsewhipped if I don’t get going soon. Don’t know why ’e’s so keen to get to Maiden’s Creek. Not much I can do about it. If Maidment gives me the nod, I’ll probably get ’em to the Thompson River, but I’m not risking my ’orses on Little John’s in the dark.’ Amos nodded towards the corpse. ‘I’ll leave you to it. Good luck, Doc.’

Brown returned carrying the two buckets of water and three battered tin dishes under his arm. He set the dishes on the table beside Caleb, his gaze averted from the now naked corpse.

‘I washed ’em,’ he said. ‘Wasn’t sure what you needed ’em for.’

Caleb was in no mood for explanations; their purpose would become clear soon enough. Now he had to force himself to be completely professional. This was not Bowen, not the man he had come to call a friend. This was a riddle that needed an answer.

A close examination of Bowen’s torso and face aroused Caleb’s suspicions. Bruising, which often did not show when the body was fresh, had begun to appear on the doctor’s torso. Powerful blows had been inflicted to the man’s rib cage, and his probing fingers confirmed a couple of cracked ribs.

When he pointed these out to the young constable, Brown whistled. ‘Someone worked him over good and proper.’

‘Was there any money in his purse?’

Brown shook his head. ‘Didn’t really think about it, but he wasn’t carrying a purse or his luggage.’

‘So are we looking at robbery? Help me turn him over, Brown.’

Bruising also stained Bowen’s back and kidney region, leaving Caleb in no doubt that Bowen had been thoroughly beaten shortly before his death, but unless he could find substantial internal damage, he doubted the beating alone would account for his death.

He found the answer on the back of Bowen’s head. Clearly visible through the thinning grey hair was a raised lump and considerable bruising.

‘Is that what killed him?’ Brown asked.

‘Possibly. I’m afraid I’m going to have to open him up to be sure.’

Brown took a step back when Caleb picked up the first knife. Caleb cast him a questioning glance, but the young man steadied himself and hunched on a stool, taking Caleb’s dictation.

An hour later, Caleb had his answer and he sent Brown to fetch Maidment and Russell.