to have your opinion, Mr. Jacks," the Home Secretary said.

There was a moment's pause. The Minister trifled with some papers lying
on the desk before him. Then he turned to his visitor and continued,--

"You will forgive my reminding you, Mr. Jacks, that I am a busy man and
that this is a busy morning. You had some reason, I presume, for wishing
to see me?"

"I had, sir," the Inspector answered. "I took the liberty of waiting
upon you, sir, to ask whether the idea of a reward for so large a sum
came spontaneously from your department?"

The Home Secretary raised his eyebrows.

"Really, Mr. Jacks," he began,--

"I hope, sir," the Inspector protested, "that you will not think I am
asking this question through any irrelevant curiosity. I am beginning to
form a theory of my own as to these two murders, but it needs building
up. The offering of a reward like this, if it emanates from the source
which I suspect that it does, gives a solid foundation to my theories.
I am here, sir, in the interests of justice only, and I should be
exceedingly obliged to you if you would tell me whether the suggestion
of this large reward did not come from the Foreign Office?"

The Minister considered for several moments, and then slowly inclined
his head.

"Mr. Jacks," he said, "your question appears to me to be a pertinent
one. I see not the slightest reason to conceal from you the fact that
your surmise is perfectly accurate."

A flash of satisfaction illuminated for a moment the detective's
inexpressive features. He rose and took up his hat.

"I am very much obliged to you, sir," he said. "The information which
you have given me is extremely valuable."

"I am glad to hear you say so," the Home Secretary declared. "You
understand, of course, that it is within the province of my department
to assist at all times and in any possible way the course of justice. Is
there anything more I can do for you?"

Inspector Jacks hesitated.

"If you would not think it a liberty, sir," he said, "I should be
very glad indeed if you would give me a note which would insure me an
interview with Sir Edward Bransome."

"I will give it you with pleasure," the Secretary answered, "although I
imagine that he would be quite willing to see you on your own request."

He wrote a few lines and passed them over. Inspector Jacks saluted, and
turned towards the door.

"You'll let me know if anything turns up?" the Home Secretary said.

"You shall be in