, Jacks!" he declared. "You're not serious, are
you?"

"Perfectly," Inspector Jacks answered. "And to tell you the truth,
my young friend, I am half inclined to think that when he is given to
understand, as he will be by you, if he doesn't know it already, that I
am in charge of the investigations concerning these two murders, he will
see me."

The young man was disposed to consider the point.

"Well," he remarked, "the chief does seem plaguy interested, all of a
sudden. I'll pass your name in. If you take a seat, it's just possible
that he may spare you a minute or two in about an hour's time. He won't
be able to before then, I'm sure. There's a deputation almost due, and
two other appointments before luncheon time."

The Inspector accepted a newspaper and an easy chair. His young friend
disappeared and returned almost immediately, looking a little surprised.

"I've managed it for you," he explained. "The chief is going to spare
you five minutes at once. Come along and I'll show you in."

Inspector Jacks took up his hat and followed his acquaintance to the
private room of the Home Secretary. That personage nodded to him upon
his entrance and continued to dictate a letter. When he had finished, he
sent his clerk out of the room and, motioning Mr. Jacks to take a seat
by his side, leaned back in his own chair with the air of one prepared
to relax for a moment. He was a man of somewhat insignificant presence,
but he had keen gray eyes, half the time concealed under thick eyebrows,
and flashing out upon you now and then at least expected moments.

"From Scotland Yard, I understand, Mr. Jacks?" he remarked.

"At your service, sir," the Inspector answered. "I am in charge of the
investigations concerning these two recent murders."

"Quite so," the Home Secretary remarked. "I am very glad to meet
you, Mr. Jacks. So far, I suppose, you are willing to admit that
you gentlemen down at Scotland Yard have not exactly distinguished
yourselves."

"We are willing to admit that," Inspector Jacks said.

"I do not know whether the reward will help you very much," the Home
Secretary continued. "So far as you people personally are concerned, I
imagine that it will make no difference. The only point seems to be
that it may bring you outside help which at the present time is being
withheld."

"The offering of the reward, sir," Inspector Jacks said, "can do no
harm, and it may possibly assist us very materially."

"I am glad