Dead on Time

The story opens at the Blue Boar, a pub on Lulverton's High Street, where a group of men has gathered to mark the retirement of Sergeant Bert Martin, who is leaving the police after three decades. Over a drink, Bert reflects wistfully on his years in the Force, though his successor, Bradfield, is not due to take over until midnight.

The evening takes a grim turn when Jimmy Hooker stumbles into the party upstairs, unsteady but alive. By closing time he has died in the saloon bar below, and the Blue Boar's licensee, 'Pop' Collins, is convinced his death was not a natural one.