"What name?" he inquired.
"Captain Cherriton, the man with the fair hair, who was in the taxi with me. The police officers allowed him to escape."
Beyond the table the great man of the Secret Service who had been cross-examining him, eased his spectacles. For, without knowing it, John had made a statement which aroused all his interest.
"This afternoon, Manton," he said, "you must come to my room. It seems to me," he continued, "you can be of very great use to my department."
"What is your department, sir?" asked John politely.
The elder man smiled.
"I think we need not give it a name, Manton. But perhaps you can guess. Perhaps, indeed, you are destined to make further acquaintance with my department and with your friend, Mr. Manners." He paused a moment.
"Captain Gilbert tells me that you wish to rejoin the army?"
"That is so, sir," answered John.
"An excellent intention," continued Dacent Smith. "But it has occurred to me that there is other work of national importance which may suit you better." He glanced at Whiston. "With General Whiston's aid I think we can arrange that you do not appear in uniform for some time. Another thing Captain Gilbert reported to me," he went on, quietly, "is that you are a young man with a taste for adventure."