His thoughts ranged over the disturbing intelligence he had gleaned on his latest visit to the workhouse. There was something very unpleasant and untoward occurring there; he just needed to convince the authorities—the chairman in particular—to investigate it properly. Beadle Hewlett was involved, that went without saying, but in what capacity? Was he the mastermind or the facilitator for some other figure?
Reverend Short was so preoccupied that he failed to notice the pinched face of the man peering furtively from a narrow alley three buildings ahead of him.
Another man walking ten yards behind him saw it all, and he signalled a third man lounging in a doorway on the other side of the street who in turn made a gesture, drew himself to his feet and lurched with a surety and speed at odds
