II
　　Half an hour later Major Robert Mitchell, the Chief Constable¹, was speaking gravely to uncle and nephew.
　　"It's early to say as yet," he said, "but one thing seems clear. This wasn't an outside job. Nothing taken, no signs of breaking in. All the windows and doors found shut this morning."He looked directly at Battle.
　　"If I were to ask Scotland Yard, do you think they'd put you on the job? You're on the spot, you see. And then there's your relationship with Leach² here. That is, if you're willing. It means cutting the end of your holiday.""That's all right," said Battle. "As for the other, sir, you'll have to put it up to Sir Edgar" (Sir Edgar Cotton was Assistant Commissioner), "but I believe he's a friend of yours?"Mitchell nodded.
　　"Yes, I think I can manage Edgar all right. That's settled, then! I'll get through right away."He spoke³ into the telephone: "Get me the Yard.""You think it's going to be an important case, sir?" asked Battle.
　　Mitchell said gravely: "It's going to be a case where we don't want the possibility of making a mistake. We want to be absolutely sure of our man - or woman, of course."Battle nodded. He understood quite well that there was something behind the words.
　　"Thinks he knows who did it," he said to himself. "And doesn't relish⁴ the prospect⁵. Somebody well known and popular, or I'll eat my boots!"
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