"You make friends with them?" suggested Jack.
"In a way, yes. Our agents become Reds; join their circles, watch them, and report to the main office as to the plots they hatch. Our organization has now been brought to such a point of perfection that we are in a position to guarantee our subscribers absolute immunity from the attacks of anarchists."
"Was the late Mr. Gyde a member?" Jack asked slyly.
"He was not," said Mr. Whigham significantly. "He had rejected our respectful solicitations from time to time. Nevertheless out of pure humanity we warned him of what was about to occur. With characteristic obstinacy he ignored the warning—well, you know what happened."
"But they say that Emil Jansen, his assailant, was not a member of any regular circle."
"'They say!'" said Mr. Whigham sarcastically. "What do 'they' know!"
"What's the damage?" asked Jack.
"Hey?" said Mr. Whigham.
"What does the service cost?"
"Five hundred dollars a month."