He was confident there would be no interference from Sir James if he extended the questioning beyond that which might have normally been regarded as necessary for the purpose of a salvage enquiry. With so little positive evidence, he was going to need such allowance. Would he succeed in obtaining a blurted confession? he wondered. They were probably simple men, even if they were criminals. It might be possible.

Sir James was at his window, staring out at the bay and Algeciras and La Linea beyond when Flood entered. He turned at the sound, smiling.

‘A little madeira, for a cold day?’ he asked.

‘Thank you,’ said Flood.

The judge poured from a decanter alongside the desk and then handed the Attorney-General his drink. ‘Anticipating difficulties?’ Sir James indicated the room beyond the closed door where the enquiry was assembling.

‘If there’s a guilty man there, he’ll be evasive,’ predicted Flood.

‘ Is there a guilty man?’

‘There’s been murder committed.’

‘Murder!’ The judge’s astonishment showed in his voice.

‘That’s my belief.’

‘It’s a salvage claim we’ll be considering,’ said Sir James gently.

‘Which makes the circumstances leading up to that salvaging very pertinent to the proceedings,’ replied Flood.

‘Quite,’ said the judge. ‘I’d just welcome a little more positive evidence than that which I’ve so far seen in the reports and affidavits. Murder’s a strong accusation.’

‘The evidence will be forthcoming.’ Flood was confident. ‘We’ve encountered a devilish clever scheme but I’m determined to upset the whole affair.’

‘If there’s been a crime, you’ll get every support from me,’ promised Sir James.

‘I knew I would,’ said Flood.

The judge finished his drink, replacing the glass on the decanter stand, and Flood took the lead to do the same. The man’s assurance encouraged him.