'It will be difficult,' was the answer. 'Have you any proof to support the view that it was not an accident?'
'No,' I said. 'I am hoping that we shall find the proof on the body — signs of a struggle or something.'
'From what I have gathered the body was a little damaged when they brought it down.'
'Who signed the death certificate?' I asked then. 'A local doctor?'
'Yes. From Leikanger.'
'Then get hold of him. Put the fear of God into him. Get him to support your application for post-mortem. Tell the police that there was another man with Farnell when he fell.'
'Have you spoken to this other man?' Ulvik asked. The police would be much more likely to view with sympathy our application if they-'
The name of the man who was with Farnell was Hans Schreuder, a metallurgist at one time employed by D.N.S.,' I said. 'I haven't seen him yet. But he's alive and he's been trying to get out of the country. Now get hold of that doctor and go to work on the police. I want an exhumation order signed by the time I reach Fjaerland tomorrow evening.'
'But Mr Gansert — such a short time — things do not move so fast.'
'I'm relying on you, Mr Ulvik,' I snapped. 'I don't care how you get the exhumation order or what it costs — but get it. Do you understand?' I put down the receiver.