and respect it. But there are times when diplomacy is a
more potent weapon than force."

Kerry, listening, became aware that the speaker was a man of cultured
intellect. He wondered greatly, but:

"My time is valuable," he said rapidly. "Come to the point. What do you
want and who are you?"

"One moment, Chief Inspector. An opportunity to make your fortune
without interfering with your career has come in your way. You have
obtained possession of what you believe to be a clue to a murder."

The voice ceased, and Kerry remaining silent, immediately continued:

"Knowing your personal character, I doubt if you have communicated the
fact of your possessing this evidence to anyone else. I suggest, in your
own interests, that before doing so you interview me."

Kerry thought rapidly, and then:

"I don't say you're right," he rapped back. "But if I come to see you,
I shall leave a sealed statement in possession of the officer in charge
here."

"To this I have no objection," the guttural voice replied, "but I beg of
you to bring the evidence with you."

"I'm not to be bought," warned Kerry. "Don't think it and don't suggest
it, or when I get to you I'll break you in half."

His red moustache positively bristled, and he clutched the receiver so
tightly that it quivered against his ear.

"You mistake me," replied the speaker. "My name is Zani Chada. You know
where I live. I shall not detain you more than five minutes if you will
do me the honour of calling upon me."

Kerry chewed furiously for ten momentous seconds, then:

"I'll come!" he said.

He replaced the receiver on the hook, and, walking across to the charge
desk, took an official form and a pen. On the back of the form he
scribbled rapidly, watched with curiosity by the officer in charge.

"Give me an envelope," he directed.

An envelope was found and handed to him. He placed the paper in the
envelope, gummed down the lapel, and addressed it in large, bold writing
to the Assistant Commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Department,
who was his chief. Finally:

"I'm going out," he explained.

"After what I've said?"

"After what you've said. I'm going out. If I don't come back or don't
telephone within the next hour, you will know what to do with this."

The Limehouse official stared perplexedly.

"But meanwhile," he protested, "what steps am I to take about the
murder? Durham will be back with the body at any moment now, and you say
you've g