“Let me tell you this, sir,” Mr. Coulson continued. “I should imagine that the trouble with Washington, if there is any, is simply that they will not believe that your police have a free hand. They will not believe that you are honestly and genuinely anxious for the discovery of the perpetrator of these crimes. I speak without authority, you understand? I am no more in a position to discuss this affair than any other tourist from my country who might happen to come along.”
Sir Edward shrugged his shoulders.
“Can you suggest any method,” he asked a little dryly, “by means of which we might remove this unfortunate impression?”
Mr. Coulson flicked the ash once more from the end of his cigar and looked at it thoughtfully.
“This isn’t my show,” he said, “and, you understand, I am giving the views of Mr. James B. Coulson, and nobody but Mr. James B. Coulson, but if I were in your position, and knew that a friendly country was feeling a little bit sore at having two of her citizens disposed of so unceremoniously, I’d do my best to prove, by the only possible means, that I was taking the matter seriously.”
“The only possible means being?” Sir Edward asked.
“I guess I’d offer a reward,” Mr. Coulson admitted.
Sir Edward did not hesitate for a moment.
“Your idea is an excellent one, Mr. Coulson,” he said. “It has already been mooted, but we will give it a little emphasis. Tomorrow we will offer a reward of one thousand pounds for any information leading to the apprehension of either murderer.”
“That sounds bully,” Mr. Coulson declared.