'I talk to survivors of accidents all the time,' Ridgeon told him, eyes blazing, 'and I know how to get the truth out of them. I won't have you casting aspersions upon my methods.'

'I'm not doing so, Captain Ridgeon.'

'Well, it sounds to me as if you are.'

'I'd merely point out that there are no bends of any significance on this stretch of line. Indeed, on the whole journey from London to Brighton, you won't find dangerous curves or problematical gradients.'

Ridgeon stuck out a challenging chin. 'Are you trying to teach me my job, Inspector?'

'No, sir,' said Colbeck, trying to smooth his ruffled feathers with an emollient smile. 'I simply think that it would be unwise to rush to judgement when you're not in full possession of the facts.'

'I've garnered rather more of them than you.'

'That's not in dispute.'

'Then have the grace to bow to my superior expertise.'

'I'll be interested to read your report,' said Colbeck, meeting his stern gaze without flinching. 'Meanwhile, I'd be grateful for the names of the two drivers and the fireman who died.'

'Why?' asked Ridgeon.

'Because, over the years, I've become acquainted with many people who work on the railway,' came the reply. 'I've been summoned twice before by the LB amp;SCR and got to know a number of their staff.'

Ridgeon consulted the pad he was holding. 'The driver of the ballast train was Edmund Liversedge and his fireman was Timothy Parke.' He glanced up at Colbeck who shook his head. 'The driver of the other locomotive, presumed dead, was in charge of the Brighton Express for the first time, another factor that I have to take into account. Inexperience on the footplate can be fatal.'

'What was the man's name, sir?'

'Frank Pike.' He saw Colbeck heave a sigh. 'You know him?'

'I knew him quite well at one time,' said Colbeck, coming to a decision and taking a step backward. 'If you'll excuse us, Captain Ridgeon, the sergeant and I will get back to London at once. I'll take upon myself the duty of informing Mrs Pike of the death of her husband. It's the least I can do for her.'