Britz devoted the next hour to instructing his assistants in the work he required of them. To each man was assigned a definite object to achieve and he was sent forth to exercise all his resourcefulness toward a single end. The cleverest "shadows" in the department were set to watch the movements of those involved innocently or guiltily, in the merchant's death. Collins, the detective also favored with a "roper."
"Fanwell," said Britz to the man he assigned to "rope" Collins, "ingratiate yourself with him as quickly as possible. The subject is an easy mark for a convivial companion. You'll probably find him around the restaurants at night. Get an introduction and spend money freely. The gloom of tragedy doesn't cling long to a man like Collins, and even if it does, he'll try to dispel it with drink. Don't push him for information, but lead him on gently. Cunningham and O'Malley will be trailing him while you're roping."
Having set the secret machinery of the law in motion, Britz donned his coat and hat and entered Chief Manning's room.
"Chief," he said, disposing himself in a chair, "I've ordered the men to report to you on the Whitmore case."
The chief made no effort to hide his surprise.
"Not laying down on it, are you?" he asked.
"Not much," laughed Britz. "But I may be out of town a day or two."
"What is the status of the case?" inquired the chief.
"Chaotic," responded Britz. "But there are conflicting interests, and pretty soon I expect to bring them into violent conflict."
Chief Manning's eyes traveled down the front page of the newspaper lying open on his desk.