Manning and Greig settled themselves comfortably in their chairs, prepared to listen to a long recital.

The extraordinary methods which Britz had pursued in the conduct of the investigation had puzzled and alarmed them.

To the chief it had looked as if Britz were running around in a circle, hopelessly bewildered, mistrusting every palpable lead as a new pitfall.
There were reasons for Manning's anxiety.

The department could not afford to "fall down" on this conspicuous case.

Public interest had increased rather than diminished during the progress of the investigation, and the newspapers had already begun to hint that the Central Office was "bungling the job." "Chief, I know you've been worried," Britz began, bestowing on Manning a reassuring smile.