‘My Chief says you have something to tell me?’ he began, after mutual greetings.
‘Why yes,’ Jimmy replied. ‘Did your Chief tell you what it was?’
‘Didn’t see him. He’s in Manchester.’
‘I fancy you’ll be surprised. You recollect you told me you had suspected Cosgrove Ponson, but that he had established an alibi and so must be innocent?’
Tanner nodded as he drew at his cigar.
‘That’s right,’ he agreed.
‘You were satisfied the alibi was sound?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘It’s a fake,’ said Jimmy quietly.
Tanner took his cigar out of his mouth and looked at the other.