“Very little,” replied Yoti. “And that from Dr Nott. She came to Mitford from Melbourne. Down there she was under the care of a Dr Browner of Glen Iris. She rented this house from Mitford Estate Agents.”

“That’s a beginning,” Bony purred. “By the way, what is the number of your staff?”

“Two constables under Essen. Could draw another two from Albury.”

“Could you spare Essen, and do a littleyourself on this case?”

“Certainly.”

“Good. Have the body moved to the morgue, and meanwhile interview the estate agents for what they know of the dead woman. Murder trails quickly become worn, and this is now forty hours old. We don’t want your CID tramping down tracks, frightening possible friendly witnesses, annoying me and irritating you. Therefore I will report this murder to Sydney, and you report to your Divisional Headquarters that I am in charge.” To Essen he said: “Can you get on with the dusting and the pictures?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I’ll wait here for you. And, by the way, when we are alone, favour me by omitting the ‘sir’ and sticking to ‘Bony’. I am Bony to all my friends.”

Yoti chuckled, grimly amused.

“Now I know,” he averred with emphasis. “Now I know why it is you’ve never failed to finish a case.”

“Me too,” agreed Essen, his wide face widening under pressure of subdued enthusiasm.

Chapter Three

A Strange Pair

ALONEINthe house, Bony brought a satin-covered cushion from the lounge to kneel on the hall floor and outline with chalk three sets of footprints: one made by a man and two by women.

Then he entered a second bedroom, but this was unfurnished, and he found in a linen cupboard the sheet he required and which he took to the front bedroom.

The golden shaft of sunlight had moved from the dead woman’s hand toberibbon the cream wickerwork of the cot; otherwise nothing was altered. He switched on the light and deliberately studied the body, noting its position and finding nothing helpful excepting confirmation that she had been struck when clear inside the door.