“Thank you.” Bony lit his cigarette. “I like that word, co-operate. True doctors co-operate when theG. P. calls in a specialist for consultation on a difficult case. Regard yourself as the generalpractitioner, and me as the specialist. A specialist I am. I specialise in homicide. I know little of general police procedure or administration. So it’s every man to his profession. By the way, I’d like to be known as Mr. Knapp. All my friends call me Bony. Might I be honoured by including Sergeant Sawtell and yourself among my friends?”

Faint warmth spread over the iron-hard face of the inspector, and Sergeant Sawtell, who had met Bony at the airport, expressed his pleasure.

“We’re both very glad you are here,” Walters said. “We have enough normal work on our hands without the addition of investigating murders which don’t have any possible motive. Been a worrying time. One constable away in the bush after ablackfellow, and the other’s just out of hospital with a knife wound received down in Chinatown. Have you made arrangements about accommodation?”

“No, not yet. I understand there are five hotels here.”

“There are, but perhaps you’d consent to put up here. The wife and I would be glad to have you.”

“That’s kind of you. I would like that. And I’d try not to put Mrs. Walters to great inconvenience.” Bony smiled his thanks in addition to the words. “We could then go into conference at any time suitable to yourself and Sawtell. I know enough about these police-administered districts to understand the thousand and one calls on your time. Yes, that would be an excellent arrangement. I could be a civilian friend staying with you.”

A car engine burst into restrained power, and the inspector raised himself to look beyond the fly-netted veranda front.

“That’s Mrs. Sayers leaving. Ought to get a cup of tea now she’s gone.” He stood up and Bony also rose.“Fine woman but volcanic.”

“A local power?”