We've got our own men out, and there's three officers coming over from Norcaster by motor--they're on the way now." "Send for me if aught turns up," said Mallalieu.
He walked slowly home, his brain still busy with possibilities and eventualities.

And within five minutes of his waking at his usual hour of six it was again busy--and curious.

For he and Cotherstone, both keen business men who believed in constant supervision of their workmen, were accustomed to meet at the yard at half-past six every morning, summer or winter, and he was wondering what his partner would say and do--and look like.
Cotherstone was in the yard when Mallalieu reached it.

He was giving some orders to a carter, and he finished what he was doing before coming up to Mallalieu.

In the half light of the morning he looked pretty much as usual--but Mallalieu noticed a certain worn look under his eyes and suppressed nervousness in his voice.