Recruited from Hamburg, where he had been involved in getting Jews out to safety with some hope of prosperity, he had been engaged to work for those same interests, tasked to buy guns and get them into Ethiopia, then being threatened with an Italian invasion.

A few surprising names apart, Cal had never been vouchsafed the identity of the well-placed members of this secret group and he was damn sure he was not about to be enlightened now. He did know they had money, political contacts or both, and the ability to employ them in places in which they could be of use.

‘Still in touch, of course,’ Peter replied, ‘and helpful it is, given there is some hope the mood might just be beginning to swing their way on reining in the dictators. Not at the top, you understand — Chamberlain is still convinced his policy is the right one — but let us say since Anthony Eden resigned the ground is shifting very slightly under the feet of those committed to appeasement.’

‘About time.’

He reappeared holding the enamel coffee pot. ‘Damn thing works on steam, I gather.’

‘Don’t fret on my account, Peter, I’ve had several cups already while I was having a bit of fun with those fellows watching my movements.’

‘I knew you were in some kind of trouble, as soon as you raised that damned paper I knew it. Took a bit of quick thinking, that did.’

‘Which does nothing to explain your presence in La Rochelle. I hope you have not come all this way to tell me to desist.’

‘Would it matter if I had?’

‘No, and since we are not at home I don’t see how you could.’

‘There are ways, old boy. For instance, I could always tip off the chaps at the old Deuxieme Bureau, tell ’em what I suspect, though judging by the way you are being tailed it looks as if they are aware already. Weapons for Ireland they won’t give a damn about but they are hotter than we are on Spain.’