a clue which seems to belong to the one will lead me to the other, or
both?' You are not sure which way to turn. There is nothing there upon
which you can lay your hand. You say to yourself, 'I will make a bluff.'
That is the word, is it not? You come to me. You tell me gravely that
you have reason to suspect some one in my household. That is because you
believe that the crimes were perpetrated by some one of my country. You
do not ask for information. You think, perhaps, that I would not give
it. You confront me with a statement. It was very clever of you, Mr.
Inspector Jacks."

"I had reason for what I did, sir," the detective said.

"No doubt," the Prince agreed. "And now, tell me, when are you going to
electrify us all? When is the great arrest to take place?"

The detective coughed discreetly.

"I am not yet in a position, sir," he said, "to make any definite
announcement."

"Cautious, Mr. Jacks, cautious!" the Prince remarked smilingly. "It is a
great quality,--a quality which I, too, have learned how to appreciate.
And now for our five minutes' talk. If I say to you, 'Return home with
me,' I think you will remember that unpleasant room of mine, and you
will recollect an important engagement at Scotland Yard. In the clubs
one is always overheard. Walk with me a little way, Mr. Jacks, in St.
James' Park. We can speak there without fear of interruption. Come!"

He thrust his arm through the detective's and led him across the street.
Mr. Inspector Jacks was only human, and he yielded without protest. They
passed St. James' Palace and on to the broad promenade, where there were
few passers-by and no listeners.

"You see, my dear Inspector," the Prince said, "I am really a sojourner
in your marvellous city not altogether for pleasure. My stay over here
is more in the light of a mission. I have certain arrangements which
I wish to effect for the good of my country. Amongst them is one
concerning which I should like to speak to you."

"To me, sir?" Inspector Jacks repeated.

The Prince twirled his cane and nodded his head.

"It is a very important matter, Mr. Jacks," he said. "It is nothing less
than a desire on the part of the city government of Tokio to perfect
thoroughly their police system on the model of yours over here. We are a
progressive nation, you know, Mr. Jacks, but we are also a young nation,
and though I think that we advance all the time, we are still in many
respects a long way behind you. W