t the man would be easily traced
through his loyalty to Beard.

The first thing Britz did was to call up Dr. Henderson, the Coroner's
physician.

"I am sending the police photographer to the autopsy on Whitmore," he
said. "Please don't cut the body or probe the wound until he has taken a
picture of the bullet hole. It is most important. Also, let me have a
copy of your report on the autopsy as soon as possible."

Britz devoted the next hour to instructing his assistants in the work he
required of them. To each man was assigned a definite object to achieve
and he was sent forth to exercise all his resourcefulness toward a
single end. The cleverest "shadows" in the department were set to watch
the movements of those involved innocently or guiltily, in the
merchant's death. Collins, the detective also favored with a "roper."

"Fanwell," said Britz to the man he assigned to "rope" Collins,
"ingratiate yourself with him as quickly as possible. The subject is an
easy mark for a convivial companion. You'll probably find him around the
restaurants at night. Get an introduction and spend money freely. The
gloom of tragedy doesn't cling long to a man like Collins, and even if
it does, he'll try to dispel it with drink. Don't push him for
information, but lead him on gently. Cunningham and O'Malley will be
trailing him while you're roping."

Having set the secret machinery of the law in motion, Britz donned his
coat and hat and entered Chief Manning's room.

"Chief," he said, disposing himself in a chair, "I've ordered the men to
report to you on the Whitmore case."

The chief made no effort to hide his surprise.

"Not laying down on it, are you?" he asked.

"Not much," laughed Britz. "But I may be out of town a day or two."

"What is the status of the case?" inquired the chief.

"Chaotic," responded Britz. "But there are conflicting interests, and
pretty soon I expect to bring them into violent conflict."

Chief Manning's eyes traveled down the front page of the newspaper lying
open on his desk.

"I see the Coroner has sent Beard to the Tombs," he said. "There is no
doubt in my mind that the woman, Julia Strong, committed suicide. And
for the life of me I don't see just how you're going to connect Beard
with the murder of his employer."

"I'm not responsible for Beard's arrest," declared Britz. "The Coroner
ordered it on his own initiative."

"Shall we keep him in jail?" asked Manning.

"Yes, let him stay ther