“He warned you, didn’t he?” squeaked the old woman in the corner. “He told you wot would ‘appen if you squealed!”

“Be quiet, Ma,” pleaded Whiting.

“He told you—”

“Hold your tongue, mother!” Mrs Whiting swung round on the older woman, surprisingly sharp-tongued. “We don’t want any nonsense from you! It wasn’t right to promise not to see Mr Kemp. If it hadn’t been for you, Erny wouldn’t never have promised!”

“If they was my children—”

Rollison smiled at the old crone and moved towards her.

“Nothing’s going to happen to the children, that’s a promise.” He surveyed her with his head on one side, compelling her to return his gaze. After a long pause, her expression relaxed; but her words were grudging.

“If you ses so, I suppose that’s all right.”

“It will be,” Rollison assured her and turned to Whiting. “Have you told the police anything yet?”

“No,” said Whiting. “Joe told me to hop it, because we didn’t want no more trouble. It wasn’t until afterwards that I knew the chap on the ground was dead.”

“Don’t you have nothing to do with the police!” protested the old woman.

“They’ll have to hear the story,” Rollison said, “but it might be wise for you not to go into details, Whiting. Leave it to me, will you?”

“I really ought—” Whiting began and then shrugged. “All right, Mr Rollison. But what shall I say if they come?”

“Forget all about the first pair you met and just tell the truth about the fight,” answered Rollison. “Kemp, will you stay here for half an hour?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Keep the doors and windows shut,” Rollison said. “As soon as I’m back, everything will be all right’

He knew that Kemp was bursting to ask questions but the curate showed admirable self-restraint. The old woman’s suspicious gaze was on Rollison as he went out of the room. He made sure that no one was about in the lane then walked towards the corner of the street and along Jupe Street to a telephone kiosk. Before entering, he waited, listening intently, but he heard nothing.