“It may be, sir, of course,” French admitted. “But I’m glad you agree that we should make sure. In that case there is no object in delay. Will you obtain the necessary exhumation order, or is there anything you wish me to do in the matter?” “No, I’ll see to it. You may arrange with Kent to get the work done. Let Kent arrange for a magistrate to be present. A representative will be required from the Home Office, of course?” “I’m afraid so, sir.” “Then you may expect the order in a day or two. I shall be very much interested to hear the result. It will be impossible to keep the affair quiet?” “I’m afraid so. There will be too many concerned in it.” “Quite. Well, you must get up some tale about it. What are you going to say?” “I haven’t thought yet, sir. I’ll dish out something when the time comes.” When French reached Hellifield on his return journey he found Oxley on the platform. “You been travelling also, Inspector?” Oxley greeted him. “I’ve just been to Penrith for the day. These connections always make me curse. They’re all arranged to and from Leeds, but people going to or from the north have to kick their heels here for the best part of an hour each way.” “Can’t please everybody, Mr. Oxley,” French remarked tritely. “You think not?” Oxley smiled. “Well, how’s the case?” “Nothing doing for the moment. I was in seeing Dr. Philpot this morning. He seems in a bad way, poor fellow.” Oxley looked grave. “It’s a bad case, I fear.” He glanced round and his voice sank. “From what I’ve heard and by putting two and two together I shouldn’t wonder if he’ll only pay two or three shillings in the pound. All gone to the bookies, or nearly all. You know, Inspector, between ourselves, when a man’s in debt all round, as he is, it’s not just the game to go putting his last few pounds on horses.” “It’s a fact, Mr. Oxley. Of course, one must remember that the gambler plunges in the hope of pulling something off. If he had had some bits of luck he might have put himself square.” “That’s true, and you can imagine any one taking the risk. If he wins his whole trouble is over, while if he loses he is little the worse. He may as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. But you haven’t told me how the case is getting on.”