"As you have a theory of how the robbery was performed, perhaps you have a theory of how the robbers might be caught."
"I have one or two theories. I could go further and say that, if it were made worth my while, I would engage to find the thieves."
"Made worth your while, sir! Isn't it worth every honest man's while to find a thief?"
"Not necessarily. Take your own case. Would you be prepared to find the thieves?"
"If I knew where they were."
"Precisely; that is just the point. What you mean is, that if they were found you would give them into custody, but you have to find them first. People don't go thief-hunting from motives of pure philanthropy; even a policeman requires you to make it worth his while."
"May I ask if you are an amateur detective?" inquired the severe-looking gentleman.
"I shouldn't call myself quite that," said "Uncle Tom."
"But you have evidently had considerable experience in dealing with crime?"
"It has been the study of my life," said "Uncle Tom."