“Prince,” he said, “there can be no question about that. I thank you very much for it, but I must decline.”
“Your mind is quite made up?” the Prince asked regretfully.
“Quite,” the Inspector said firmly.
“Japan,” the Prince said thoughtfully, “is a pleasant country.”
“London suits me moderately well,” Inspector Jacks declared.
“Under certain conditions,” the Prince continued, “I should have imagined that the climate here might prove most unhealthy for you. You must remember that I was a witness of your slight indisposition the other day.”
“In my profession, sir,” the detective said, “we must take our risks.”
The Prince came to a standstill. They were at the parting of the ways.
“I am very sorry,” he said simply. “It was a great post, and it was one which you would have filled well. It is not for me, however, to press the matter.”
“It would make no difference, sir,” the detective answered.