“Going out again?” I asked.

“Yes, we will pay a little visit to the good M. Hammond.”

“You believe Parker’s story?”

“It is credible enough on the face of it. It seems clear that unless he is a very good actor indeed⁠—he genuinely believes it was Ackroyd himself who was the victim of blackmail. If so, he knows nothing at all about the Mrs. Ferrars business.”

“Then in that case⁠—who⁠—”

“ Précisément! Who? But our visit to M. Hammond will accomplish one purpose. It will either clear Parker completely or else⁠—”