“I never know when you’re going to turn up,” he said. “But this will save me ringing up, which I hate. Colonel Melrose was here yesterday about the inquest.”

Colonel Melrose was Chief Constable of the county, and an old friend of Lord Caterham.

“You mean the inquest on Ronny Devereux? When is it to be?”

“Tomorrow. Twelve o’clock. Melrose will call for you. Having found the body, you’ll have to give evidence, but he said you needn’t be at all alarmed.”

“Why on earth should I be alarmed?”

“Well, you know,” said Lord Caterham apologetically, “Melrose is a bit old-fashioned.”

“Twelve o’clock,” said Bundle. “Good. I shall be here, if I’m still alive.”

“Have you any reason to anticipate not being alive?”