Messrs Hunt’s was a very large firm, with perhaps a score or more of shops in the metropolis, and probably hundreds throughout the three kingdoms. ‘Glimax’ was one of the three or four ‘lines’ advertised in every paper. Tanner borrowed a directory and looked up their head office. Half an hour later he was seated with their manager. Having introduced himself as an Inspector from Scotland Yard, he went on to business at once. ‘I am endeavouring,’ he said, ‘to trace the movements of a man who, on Monday, the 5th, this day fortnight, purchased a pair of shoes from one of your shops—probably a West End branch. The shoes were marked Glimax B 10735 over 789647S. Now, can you oblige me by suggesting how I might obtain a record of the sale?’ ‘With the best will in the world, I don’t know that we can give you that information,’ the manager returned slowly. ‘We get weekly statements from all our branches which show the total sales of each class of shoe during the period. But, unfortunately for you, though fortunately for us,’ the manager smiled deprecatingly, ‘many shoes of the fitting in question would almost certainly be sold at each of our branches during each week. If, therefore, you were to go through our returns you would find yourself no further on—it would still mean inquiries at each individual branch. How do you propose to identify your man?’ ‘I have his photograph.’ ‘I am afraid you will have to depend on that. Some of the salesmen will probably remember him. Can I help you in any other way?’ ‘Two things, if you will be so good; to give me, first, a list of your West End branches and second, a note to your managers, asking them to assist me.’ ‘I will do both with pleasure.’ Ten minutes later Tanner reached the first branch. Here he saw the manager, presented his note, and explained his business. The official was extremely civil and brought the Inspector to each of the salesmen in turn. All gave him their careful attention, but none could recall Austin Ponson nor recollect the sale in question. With courteous thanks Tanner took his leave. The second branch was not far away, and here the Inspector made similar inquiries. But here again without result. Recognising that his quest was going to be tedious, he engaged a taxi and settled down to work systematically through the list. Progress was slow, and it was approaching six o’clock by the time he had reached the ninth branch. But here, just as he had decided he would visit no more that evening, he had some luck. In this shop, the second salesman he spoke to instantly recognised Austin’s photograph, and recollected the purchase of the shoes.