26 One End of the StringThe Bentley crept slowly towards Mystery Mile. As they drew nearer, the faint cold smell of the sea reached them. The night had become extraordinarily dark, but it was close and thundery, and the sense of oppression which hung over them all was intensified by the heavy atmosphere.
Crowdy Lobbett bent forward and touched Campion on the shoulder. ‘Now that Marlowe is right out of it,’ he said, ‘I shall be prepared to tell you everything I know. You understand that?’
Campion promptly pulled the car into the side and stopped. He turned round in his seat and faced the older man.
‘You’ve no notion what a good idea that is,’ he said. ‘If you don’t mind, I think here is the time to let us have it.’ He switched off the headlights and composed himself to listen.
The judge
