The beginning of it is there, and the end. It is the way between
which is tangled."
Sir Edward lit a cigarette and leaned back amongst the cushions.
With a little gesture he indicated his desire that Inspector
Jacks 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.
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