"That I grant you," replied the Home Secretary, with his genial smile; "but, in the event referred to, no choice would remain to me. Far from desiring the intervention of another agent, I should regret it, for—family reasons."
"Ah!" said the inspector; "I was about to—to—approach that side of the matter, sir."
Mr. Belford's emotions were under perfect control, but at those words he regarded the detective with a new interest.
"You have my respectful attention," he said.
"Well, sir,"—Sheffield was palpably embarrassed—"there's nothing to be gained by beating about the bush! Excuse me, sir! But I know, and you know, that Lady Mary Evershed—your niece, sir—and her American friend, Miss Zoe Oppner, are——"
"Yes, inspector?"
"Are acquainted with Séverac Bablon!"
Mr. Belford scrutinised Sheffield closely. There was more in the man than appeared at first sight.
"Is this regrettable fact so generally known?" he asked rather coldly.
"No, sir," replied the other; "but if the case went on the Secret Service Fund it might be compromising!"