“From Scotland Yard, I understand, Mr. Jacks?” he remarked.

“At your service, sir,” the Inspector answered.  “I am in charge of the investigations concerning these two recent murders.”

“Quite so,” the Home Secretary remarked.  “I am very glad to meet you, Mr. Jacks.  So far, I suppose, you are willing to admit that you gentlemen down at Scotland Yard have not exactly distinguished yourselves.”

“We are willing to admit that,” Inspector Jacks said.

“I do not know whether the reward will help you very much,” the Home Secretary continued.  “So far as you people personally are concerned, I imagine that it will make no difference.  The only point seems to be that it may bring you outside help which at the present time is being withheld.”

“The offering of the reward, sir,” Inspector Jacks said, “can do no harm, and it may possibly assist us very materially.”

“I am glad to have your opinion, Mr. Jacks,” the Home Secretary said.

There was a moment’s pause.  The Minister trifled with some papers lying on the desk before him.  Then he turned to his visitor and continued,—­

“You will forgive my reminding you, Mr. Jacks, that I am a busy man and that this is a busy morning.  You had some reason, I presume, for wishing to see me?”

“I had, sir,” the Inspector answered.  “I took the liberty of waiting upon you, sir, to ask whether the idea of a reward for so large a sum came spontaneously from your department?”

The Home Secretary raised his eyebrows.

“Really, Mr. Jacks,” he began,—­

“I hope, sir,” the Inspector protested, “that you will not think I am asking this question through any irrelevant curiosity.  I am beginning to form a theory of my own as to these two murders, but it needs building up.  The offering of a reward like this, if it emanates from the source which I suspect that it does, gives a solid foundation to my theories.  I am here, sir, in the interests of justice only, and I should be exceedingly obliged to you if you would tell me whether the suggestion of this large reward did not come from the Foreign Office?”

The Minister considered for several moments, and then slowly inclined his head.

“Mr. Jacks,” he said, “your question appears to me to be a pertinent one.  I see not the slightest reason to conceal from you the fact that your surmise is perfectly accurate.”

A flash of satisfaction illuminated for a moment the detective’s inexpressive features.  He rose and took up his hat.

“I am very much obliged to you, sir,” he said.  “The information which you have given me is extremely valuable.”

“I am glad to hear you say so,” the Home Secretary declared.  “You understand, of course, that it is within the province of my department to assist at all times and in any possible way the course of justice.  Is there anything more I can do for you?”