‘Men, you can let him go. Do be seated, Father Lamb,’ said Hadley. The two policemen exited the room, leaving the four of us. ‘Some brandy, sir? Or coffee?’

The priest shook his head but remained standing.

‘We clearly owe you an apology. However, we have just a few questions for you. Why did you run from us?’

‘I was trying to cut down poor Mr Vitale from hanging himself when this madman attacked me!’ said the priest, gesturing to Holmes. ‘I was so upset, all I could think of was to get away! I am afraid I panicked.’ He glanced around the room taking in Hadley, Holmes and me. ‘The young man? Did he survive?’

‘No. I am sorry, Father,’ said Holmes. ‘You have my abject apology. Had I not mistakenly tried to stop you, Mr Vitale would be alive today.’

Hadley and I exchanged the smallest of glances.

The priest swallowed. ‘Vitale is dead, then?’

‘Alas, he is,’ said Holmes, the picture of contrition. ‘And may God forgive me. You were trying to save him. I made a dreadful mistake.’

‘What a terrible shame indeed!’ exclaimed Father Lamb, mopping his forehead with a handkerchief. ‘You behaved precipitously, Mr – what was it? – Holmes?’

‘Please be seated, Father,’ said Holmes.

I was eager to see Holmes play this through. He continued the subterfuge. ‘I suppose the only small recompense is that I saved the hangman’s fee. That is, if Mr Vitale killed Miss Dillie Wyndham.’

The priest sighed and took a chair facing the three of us. ‘Sadly, it is true. I do not reveal confessions normally, but in this case I must. I entered the room and Vitale was already standing on his cot, a sheet tied round his neck and ready to jump. “I confess, Father,” he said, “I killed Odelia Wyndham. She betrayed me.” And then before I could stop him …’ Lamb shook his head ruefully. ‘What a terrible, terrible end for what I hear was a promising lad.’

‘Indeed,’ said Holmes. ‘Of course, it is true that Miss Wyndham had lied and cheated Mr Vitale. Can you shed any light on this for us?’

‘Yes, we are all ears, Father,’ said Hadley.

‘Well, now you are,’ said the priest righteously. ‘Although if you had come to me in the first place—’

‘What would you have told us?’ asked Hadley.

‘Mr Holmes knows all this, that Miss Dillie Wyndham came to Peregrine – to Deacon Buttons – for advice, for help. She was being hounded by two students and was afraid for her life.’

‘For her life?’ mused Holmes.

‘Sir, you are being disingenuous,’ replied Father Lamb testily. He turned to Hadley. ‘I was present when Deacon Buttons told this man of threatening letters Dillie Wyndham had received. May I see Deacon Buttons, please?’