The Crimson Fog by Halter, Paul

after all, there’s no guarantee it will shed light on the murderer’s identity. We’re going to set a trap for him tomorrow night. Towards the end of the evening, say around half past nine, Rose will pretend she’s suddenly remembered, and announce the name of the person to whom she lent the book. Needless to say, I shall arrange for the whole household to be present. Because it’s late, we shall delay our visit to the person in question.’ ‘ And, at nightfall, a shadow will slip out of Burton Lodge to try and retrieve the precious document. And we’ll be there to intercept him!’ The major shook his head with an indulgent smile: ‘Not exactly, young man. The murderer, whose diabolical talents are a matter of record, could quite easily avoid our net without being seen, and silence Rose’s friend. Don’t forget, we already bear the responsibility for the death of the schoolmistress.’ ‘So, what do you suggest?’ ‘We’ll mount guard around the house of the “goat,” so to speak. It’s clear that, if we catch him while he’s trying to get in to someone’s house, in the middle of the night, armed with a knife—his favourite weapon—on him, he’ll be in a difficult position. He might talk, due to the effect of the shock.’ I thought for a moment, then enquired: ‘What will the “goat” do?’ The major pulled a face. ‘I’m not quite sure yet, I’ll look at that tomorrow. Of the seven other girls that were present at the time of the murder, there are only three or four left in Blackfield. Nellie, who knows the