The chapter introduces the characters involved in investigating the death of an Englishman. Marshal, Giovanna, Miss White, and Carabiniere Bacci are looking into the mysterious circumstances of the death. There were no second bullet found in the room, and neighbors reported not hearing anything, despite Giovanna claiming she heard two bangs. Bacci is searching for clues, but the neighbors could provide no useful information. Marshal says they need more information to solve this unclear case.