Steps to the Gallows by Edward Marston Read Free Book Online Page B

his next drawings.’
    ‘Leo was no artist, Mr Skillen. He just provided the words.’
    ‘Then who drew those exquisite caricatures?’
    ‘I wish I knew. Leo refused to tell me.’
    ‘Didn’t you find that odd?’
    ‘I’m used to oddities and eccentricities in this business,’ she explained. ‘If an artist wishes to remain anonymous, I accept that. All that concerned me was that the cartoons were drawn, engraved and embellished with Leo’s venomous pen. I sold the prints on Leo’s behalf. The Parliament of Foibles was very popular.’
    ‘The prints were signed by Virgo,’ he observed. ‘I thought that the name had been devised by Mr Paige. Virgo is the sign of the zodiac that comes after Leo. You must have noticed that.’
    ‘I taxed him with it once, Mr Skillen, but he brushed my questions aside. The mystery remains. To this day, I have no idea who Virgo is.’
    ‘You may do so very soon, Mrs Mandrake.’
    ‘Why is that?’
    ‘He’s bound to become aware of his partner’s death. If he wishes to continue selling prints to you, he will have to reveal his identity.’
    ‘I never thought of that.’
    ‘When he does, I’d be grateful if you’d send word to me at once. Someone who worked hand in glove with Mr Paige will know a great deal about him. He might be able to point us in the direction of his partner’s enemies.’
    ‘I can do that,’ she said, confidently. ‘You simply have to visit the Houses of Parliament. I dare swear that several of its self-seeking denizens had a good reason to see Leo silenced.’
    ‘How many of them would condone murder?’
    ‘That depends on how thin their skins are. Some people can brush off ridicule like specks of dust on their sleeve, but it cuts deeper with others and pushes them to extremes. Study the prints that Leo worked on. Somewhere among them is the man who ordered his death.’
    ‘What about his newspaper? That, too, outraged many people.’
    ‘ Paige’s Chronicle was a masterpiece,’ she said, chortling. ‘Its principal targets were scheming politicians and corrupt clergy. Leo held their feet to the fire good and proper. The Stamp Act was created to kill off newspapers like his.’
    ‘How often was it published?’
    ‘Once a week, as a rule.’
    ‘I don’t suppose that you have a copy, by any chance.’
    ‘I have every copy, Mr Skillen,’ she said, proudly. ‘I sometimes take one to bed with me. Leo’s prose is a joy. I never tire of reading it.’
    ‘May I see the collection?’ asked Peter.
    ‘I’ll insist upon it. I’ll also insist on paying for Leo’s funeral. He caused me endless trouble over the years, especially when he lodged above the shop for a while, but I loved him nevertheless. Everything I have is at your disposal,’ she continued, looking deep into his eyes. ‘I intend to be involved directly in the hunt for the killer. Don’t consider me to be the mere owner of a printshop. I am made of sterner stuff than that. What you see before you, Mr Skillen,’ she announced, arms spread wide, ‘is your willing confederate.’
    Peter wondered why the offer made him feel distinctly uneasy.
     
    Though he had a wife and six children, Eldon Kirkwood had little time for family life. Since his appointment as chief magistrate, he was rarely at home during a long day. Dedicated to his work, he was prepared to labour all hours and he expected others to do the same. When the Runners stood before him, therefore, they didn’t dare to yawn or show any sign of fatigue. If they did so, they knew that they’d be subjected to his scorn.
    Yeomans delivered his report and Hale contributed the occasional remark. Standing before him, they were anxious to get out of Kirkwood’s office as soon as possible so that they could repair to the Peacock Inn, their favourite establishment. After a session with the chief magistrate, they always felt in need of a reviving pint of ale. Kirkwood, by contrast, never touched alcoholic liquor and was always