"Chinatown is just the icing," the investigator explained later.

As investigators explained it, they saw a hand come out from a door to take the package, and they decided to act.

"They've helped me on previous cases," the investigator explained, "and I'll need them to assist me on this one."

The missing pin is potentially important, investigators explained, because it holds in place parts of the switching device.

"I worry about my safety because the case is connected to the police, local authorities and the military," the investigator explained.

But Mr. Henick said investigators did not explain why they are focusing on the possibility of asylum.

If this power is exercised, an investigator must explain the rights and obligations of those served.

When the charges were formally dropped on April 14, 1948, the investigators explained that none of Drexel's broadcasts was "political in nature."

I have overheard one investigator in the field, on picking up a beer, explain only half-facetiously that this was his intention.