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Herbie said.

         With a grimace, Elrick pointed at the body.

         “When a man can wear clothes like that, he ain't exactly starving,” he said. “Even a dumb newsboy ought to be able to see that.”

         Herbie shrugged.

         Elrick placed fists on hips and looked down at the body.

         “It won't take long to figure out who did this. I got the case patterned already.” He jabbed a forefinger into Herbie's ribs. “A situation like this comes up once every fifty or so years. When an ordinary cop solves a murder, he ain't no ordinary cop any longer. Get the drift?”

         “No,” Herbie said, his face dumb.

         “I didn't think you would,” Elrick said. “You see, simpleton, I know Renzelli's background. And when I put all the facts on the table, and fix them up so they fit, I'll have the case all wrapped up and ready to be delivered to the D. A. And a few days after that I'll be taking off this dark blue and putting on plain clothes.”

         “You mean they'll fire you?”

         Elrick's lips tightened and he pushed the cap back on his head. “When you were born, your brains must have leaked out through your ears,” he said. “No, they won't fire me. They'll make me a detective. A plainclothes man.”

         “That'll be nice,” Herbie said.

         “You tellin' me?” Elrick blurted, “That's what I been hoping for. But I never thought the break would come. Even though I got brains, I'm not exactly educated, like some of these smooth young guys who come out of the colleges. Like that smart- aleck Reeve.” Satisfaction settled itself into Elrick's eyes. “I'll show that squirt what a cop can do.”

         There was a commotion at the other end of the alley, where policemen were holding back a curious crowd. Then three cops came walking down the alley followed by a man in a plain light blue suit. He was of medium height and sparingly built.

         He pushed his way past the cops and leaned over the body.

         He glanced up at Elrick. “Anything more?”

         “Nothing more than what you see there,” Elrick said. “Two kids found the body and told me about it. I put in a call.”

         “Where are the two kids?”

         Elrick shrugged. “I told them to go home.”

         “Oh, you told them to go home, did you?”

         “Now look, Reeve, don't start that with me.”

         Reeve looked at the other three cops. “Two possible star witnesses and he tells them to go home.” He looked at Elrick. “Once upon a time I made up my mind that you were dumb. I was wrong. You're not dumb. You're an imbecile.”

         Elrick pushed the cap back on his head.

         His big hands formed fists.

         “I won't take that from any—”

         One of the cops stepped in. “Aw, why don't you guys cut it out!”

         “He's been lookin' for trouble for a long time!” Elrick boomed. “And now it's up to my neck!”

         Reeve ignored Elrick. He was studying the body, looking up and down the alley, and running his hands along the dreary gray wood that walled the alley. Then he whirled and pointed a long finger at Herbie.

         “Who are you?”

         “Leave him alone,” Elrick said. “His name's Herbie and he sells papers. I was on the corner talkin' to him when the kids came up. Besides, Reeve, you're just wasting time. I know who killed the guy.”

         “Oh, you do, do you?” Reeve said unsweetly.

         “Sure.” Elrick smiled. He leaned back on his heels and purred, “I wonder how I'll look in a nice tan worsted suit, a clean white shirt and a snappy tie?”

         “You'll still look like a big fat dummy,” Reeve said.

         Again it was necessary for the three other cops to step in. . . .

         HEADQUARTERS decided to give Elrick a break. He was practically on his knees, begging them to let him