should
proceed.

"My object in seeking for a personal interview with you, sir," Inspector
Jacks continued, "is to ask you a somewhat peculiar question. If I find
that my investigations lead me in the direction which at present seems
probable, it is no ordinary person whom I shall have to arrest when the
time comes. The reward which has been offered is a large one, and it is
not for me to question the bona fide nature of it. I would not presume,
sir, even to ask you whether it was offered by reason of any outside
pressure, but there is one question which I must ask. Do you really
wish, sir, that the murderer or murderers of these two men shall be
brought to justice?"

Sir Edward looked at his companion in steadfast amazement.

"My dear Inspector," he said, "what is this that you have in your
mind? I hold no brief for any man capable of such crimes as these.
Representations have been made to us by the American Government that the
murder of two of her citizens within the course of twenty-four hours,
and the absence of any arrest, is somewhat of a reflection upon our
police service. It is for your assistance, and in compliment to our
friends across the Atlantic, that the reward was offered."

Inspector Jacks seemed a little at a loss.

"It is your wish, then, sir," he said slowly, "that the guilty person or
persons be arrested without warning, whoever they may be?"

"By all means," Sir Edward affirmed. "I cannot conceive, Inspector, what
you have in your mind which could have led you for a moment to suspect
the contrary."

The brougham had come to a standstill in front of a house in Downing
Street. Inspector Jacks descended slowly. It was hard for him to decide
on the spot how far to take into his confidence a person whose attitude
was so unsympathetic.

"I am exceedingly obliged to you for your answer to my question, sir,"
he said, saluting. "I hope that in a few days we shall have some news
for you."

Sir Edward watched him disappear as he mounted the steps of the Prime
Minister's house.

"I wonder," he said to himself thoughtfully, "what that fellow can have
in his mind!"

Inspector Jacks did not at once return to Scotland Yard. On his way
there he turned into St. James' Square, and stood for several moments
looking at the corner house on the far side. Finally, after a hesitation
which seldom characterized his movements, he crossed the road and rang
the bell. The door was opened almost at once by a Japanes