Dalgliesh said, “Anyone near the scene could have useful information without realising its significance. It might not have seemed unusual or suspicious at the time. May we have his name and address? If he lives locally, it would save time if we could see him now.”

“He’s the head of our local comprehensive, Droughton Cross school. Stephen Collinsby. You might catch him now at the school. He usually goes in on Sunday afternoons to prepare in peace for the week ahead. I’ll write the address down for you. It’s quite close. You could walk there if you want to leave your car here. It should be safe in our drive.”

Swivelling round, he pulled open the left-hand drawer and, after rummaging for a time, found a blank sheet of paper and began writing. Folding it neatly and handing it to Dalgliesh, he said, “Collinsby’s our local hero. Well, he’s become something of a national hero now. Perhaps you read something in the papers or saw that television programme on education in which he appeared? He’s a brilliant man. He’s completely turned round Droughton Cross Comprehensive. It was all done by principles which I suppose most people would support but which others don’t seem to be able to put into effect. He believes that every child has a talent, skill or intellectual ability which can enhance his whole life and that it’s the job of the school to discover and nurture it. Of course he needs help and he’s got the whole community involved, particularly the parents. I’m a school governor so I do what I can. I give Latin lessons here to two boys and two girls once a fortnight, helped by the organist’s wife, who augments my deficiencies. Latin isn’t on the syllabus. They come because they want to learn the language and they’re wonderfully rewarding to teach. And one of our churchwardens runs the chess club with his wife. They have boys in that club who have a rare talent for the game and huge enthusiasm, boys who no one thought would ever achieve anything. And if you become school champion with a hope of playing for the county you don’t have to earn respect by carrying a knife. Forgive me for nattering on like this, but since I’ve known Stephen and become a school governor I’ve got very interested in education. And it’s heartening when good things happen against the odds. If you have time to talk to Stephen about the school I think you’ll be fascinated by his ideas.”

Now they were rising together. He said, “Oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve been very remiss. Won’t you stay for tea, or perhaps coffee?” He looked round vaguely, as if expecting the beverage to materialise from the air. “My wife could . . .” He made for the door and was about to call.