“Very good, sir.”

Jimmy waited till he heard the front door close. Then he came back into the sitting-room. Bill was just in the act of setting down his empty glass. He looked better, more purposeful and more master of himself.

“Now then,” said Jimmy. “I’ve sent Stevens out so that we can’t be overheard. Are you going to tell me all about it?”

“It’s so incredible.”

“Then it’s sure to be true. Come on, out with it.”

Bill drew a deep breath.

“I will. I’ll tell you everything.”