During the past five weeks six other cases of assault have been reported, and no one has yet been arrested. The results have all been the same: a savage attack on an individual in his home, and then the home has been systematically wrecked. In this case, nothing breakable was left. According to one report there wasn’t even a cup and saucer left whole. From television set to a tea plate, everything was smashed to smithereens, and still nobody knows why. But today or tomorrow your Jimmy Jones will be able to make a statement. That may be a starting point.”

Ada contemplated Rollison with great solemnity, and then asked almost humbly:

“Will you try to find out why it happened?”

“Yes,” said Rollison, smiling. “I can’t think of anything that would keep me away.”

Ada jumped up.

“Oh, bless you!”

“Before you start blessing me or anyone else, tell me this,” said Rollison softly. “Do you know anything more at all—about this man Jones, or what lies behind the trouble?”

“Of course I don’t.”

“Nothing wrong at any of your offices or warehouses?”

Ada looked so taken aback that he believed her when she said no, as far as she was aware there was no trouble at all at Jepsons. She looked as if this was a new idea entirely, and that it worried her. But one could never be sure with Ada.

“I’ve never heard of anything, Rolly, but the truth is that we’ve got too big, you know. That sounds a ridiculous thing to say, but you know we’ve expanded a lot in the last few years, don’t you?”

“Under the direction of our Ada. Jepsons’ Mail Order, the Biggest in Britain. Jepsons’ Manufacturies, making everything from pots and pans to motor-car tyres—there’s a rumour in the city that you’re going to produce a People’s Car. Right?”

“We might, one day,” Ada admitted.

“I want a free sample,” Rollison said.

“Jepsons’ Wholesale—suppliers to retailers all over the world. Yes, you’re pretty big, Ada. Why keep expanding?”