“Ah,” sighed the Assistant Commissioner, “a very delicate and complex case, Chief Inspector.  The agony of mind which Mr. Irvin must be suffering is too horrible for one to contemplate.  An admirable man, too; honorable and generous.  I can conceive no theory to account for the disappearance of Mrs. Irvin other than that she was a party to the murder.”

“No, sir,” said Kerry guardedly.  “But we have the dope clue to work on.  That the Chinese receive stuff in the East End and that it’s sold in the West End every constable in the force is well aware.  Leman Street is getting busy, and every shady case in the Piccadilly area will be beaten up within the next twenty-four hours, too.  It’s purely departmental, sir, from now onwards, and merely a question of time.  Therefore I don’t doubt the issue.”

Kerry paused, cleared his throat, and produced a foolscap envelope which he laid upon the table before the Assistant Commissioner.

“With very deep regret, sir,” he said, “after a long and agreeable association with the Criminal Investigation Department, I have to tender you this.”

The Assistant Commissioner took up the envelope and stared at it vaguely.

“Ah, yes, Chief Inspector,” he murmured.  “Perhaps I fail entirely to follow you; I am somewhat over-worked, as you know.  What does this envelope contain?”

“My resignation, sir,” replied Kerry.

CHAPTER XXIV

TO INTRODUCE 719

Some moments of silence followed.  Sounds of traffic from the Embankment penetrated dimly to the room of the Assistant Commissioner; ringing of tram bells and that vague sustained noise which is created by the whirring of countless wheels along hard pavements.  Finally: 

“You have selected a curious moment to retire, Chief Inspector,” said the Assistant Commissioner.  “Your prospects were never better.  No doubt you have considered the question of your pension?”

“I know what I’m giving up, sir,” replied Kerry.

The Assistant Commissioner slowly revolved in his chair and gazed sadly at the speaker.  Chief Inspector Kerry met his glance with that fearless, unflinching stare which lent him so formidable an appearance.

“You might care to favor me with some explanation which I can lay before the Chief Commissioner?”

Kerry snapped his white teeth together viciously.

“May I take it, sir, that you accept my resignation?”

“Certainly not.  I will place it before the responsible authority.  I can do no more.”

“Without disrespect, sir, I want to speak to you as man to man.  As a private citizen I could do it.  As your subordinate I can’t.”

The Assistant Commissioner sighed, stroking his neatly brushed hair with one large hand.

“Equally without disrespect, Chief Inspector,” he murmured, “it is news for me to learn that you have ever refrained from speaking your mind either in my presence or in the presence of any man.”