I walked along the terrace, thumbed the bell-push and waited, feeling the sun hot on my back.
Wadlock opened the door. His bushy eyebrows contracted and the eyes under them registered disapproval when he saw me.
‘Hello,’ I said. ‘I’d like to talk to Mr. Marshland. Would you tell him?’
‘Will you come in, Mr. Malloy?’ He stood aside. I am not sure if Mr. Marshland is in.’
I walked into the hall. It was cool and dim after the hot ter- race. I took off my hat, looked inside it for no reason at all, said, without looking at the old man, ‘The password is Beach Hotel. Will you tell him?’
‘Beach Hotel?’
‘That’s right. You’ll be surprised how he’ll react. Do I go in lounge?’
‘If you will, sir.’
‘How is Mrs. Dedrick?’ I asked. ‘I heard she hasn’t been well.’
‘Considering the circumstances, sir, she is as well as can be expected.’