>>6010951(picture unrelated, for flavor only)
Our unorthodox means of entry via the back stairway startles a young man we meet in the corridor. Fair-haired and pleasant-featured, he turns out to be [William Linhart]. After introductions are made and we are seated in Linhart's office, Wiggins asks him a question that has been nagging at all of us since the beginning.
"What was Mr. Allen doing in the alley?"
"Anytime he worked after hours, which was often, he would leave by the back way. It was a short walk to Old-street where the traffic was heavier and a cab more likely to be hailed."
"So anyone who had a passing knowledge of Mr. Allen's habits, company employees or even business acquaintances would certainly have been aware of that practice?"
"Yes, that's so."
"That evening Mr. Allen was scheduled to meet with a [Captain Egan] at 8:30. Can you tell us who Captain Egan is?"
"He is the ordnance officer in charge of purchasing for the [Admiralty]."
"Do you know what the meeting was about?"
"He and Mr. Allen met often to discuss the special project undertaken for the Admiralty some months ago, but I was unaware of that particular meeting. Mr. Allen regularly delivered progress reports, but always during the day, and I always made the appointments."
"Could you tell us about the special project?"
"It is very secret, but I suppose I can say that it involves the development of a new type of naval gun."
(cont.)
