"Why did he ask about your lodgers?"
"He didn't," stated the apothecary mildly. "I mentioned them."
"He made you do it," said Tom Horn. "I heard him."
Christopher Dent blinked at his friend in surprise and rubbed his bald head.
"Last night," said Tom, "I went to the Boatswain-and-Call after I left the counting-room. I always go there for my supper. Mr. Sparhawk was in the bar."
"Of the Boatswain-and-Call?" said Christopher. "What was he doing there?"
"He had a mug of ale, a thick cut of bread, and the leg of a fowl. But, for all he ate with good appetite, he wasn't there for that. No, it was to talk with me."
"Did he tell you so?" asked the apothecary.
"No," said Tom Horn. "He didn't need to."
Just then the subdued rat-tat-tat of a knocker sounded.