"Well, Buck is clever—there's no gainsaying that—quite at the top of the profession. Then, he's expecting me."
"You?"
"They're a queer lot," Frawley explained with a touch of pride. "Crooks are full of little vanities. You see, Bucky knows I've never dropped a trail, and I think it's rather gotten on his nerves. I think he wasn't satisfied until he dared me. He's very odd—very odd indeed. It's a little personal. I doubt, sir, if I bring him back alive."
"Inspector Frawley," said the new Secretary, "I hope I have sufficiently impressed upon you the importance of your mission."
Frawley stared at his chief in surprise.
"I'm to stick to him until I get him," he said in wonder; "that's all, isn't it, sir?"
The Secretary, annoyed by his lack of imagination, essayed a final phrase.
"Inspector, this is my last word," he said with a frown; "remember that you represent Her Majesty's government—you are Her Majesty's government! I have confidence in you."
"Thank you, sir."
Frawley moved slowly to the door and with his hand on the knob hesitated. The Secretary saw in the movement a reluctance to take the decisive step that must open before him the wide stretches of the world.