That was just over, and he was thinking of going home to his lunch when the superintendent of police came into the committee-room and drew him aside.
"I've bad news for you, Mr.Mayor," he announced in a whisper.

"Your clerk--he hasn't been at work this morning, I suppose ?" "Well ?" demanded Mallalieu, nerving himself for what he felt to be coming.

"What about it ?" "He's met with a bad accident," replied the superintendent.

"In fact, sir, he's dead! A couple of men found his body an hour or so ago in Hobwick Quarry, up on the moor, and it's been brought down to the mortuary.

You'd better come round, Mr.Mayor--Mr.Cotherstone's there, now." Mallalieu followed without a word.