As a subordinate Britz was relieved of all the routine which occupied so much of the chief's time, so that he could devote all his energies to the single case to which he was assigned.
Moreover, Manning by purely voluntary renunciation, exercised none of the supervision over Britz which his higher rank authorized.

So that Britz having been given command of the Whitmore case, was at liberty to proceed with the investigation along his own lines.
On the morning following the escape of the butler with the documents which the detective had gathered in Beard's home, Britz was at his desk in Police Headquarters at eight o'clock.

He had not troubled to search for the vanished servant, arguing that the man would be easily traced through his loyalty to Beard.
The first thing Britz did was to call up Dr.Henderson, the Coroner's physician.
"I am sending the police photographer to the autopsy on Whitmore," he said.

"Please don't cut the body or probe the wound until he has taken a picture of the bullet hole.

It is most important.