"Do I understand you to mean, inspector, that the discretion of our political agents is not to be relied upon?"
"No, sir. But your—private information could hardly be withheld from them—as it has been withheld from us!"
Even the politician's studied reserve was not proof against that thrust. He started. Chief-Inspector Sheffield, after all, was a man to be counted with. A silence fell between them—to be broken by the Home Secretary.
"Your frankness pleases me, Inspector Sheffield."
The other bowed awkwardly.
"I perceive that you would make a bargain. I am to take you into my confidence, and you, in turn, hope to render any employment of the Fund unnecessary?"
"Whatever you tell me, sir, will go no farther—not to one other living. Better confide in me than in a political agent. Then, you can't have anything more incriminating than this."
He took a card from his pocket and placed it before Mr. Belford.
"To Lady Mary Evershed.
"I shall always be indebted to you and to Miss Oppner, but I can assure you of Sir Richard's safety.