"You certainly have," said the other with a cordiality that was meant to be disarming and ingratiating. "You have brought the police force to the highest state of efficiency, and your men—well, they would stand the torture test for you. And it isn't the first time you've had men under your command either," he added with a knowing smile.
"No," said the other simply.
"In fact you've been a soldier."
"Right."
"A British soldier, I fancy."
"Right again."
"You left the service——"
Ladd paused for effect like a police court lawyer, who was having fun with a helpless witness.
"You left the service—well, let us say, for good and sufficient reasons."
"Because I couldn't stay, if that's what you mean. Well, what of it?"