(Which will be found useful in explaining certain Conventional Forms of Expression. Compiled by Professor Von Hombugh.)
Journalistic.
"The Police have a clue." Meaning—"The Police know nothing about it, and are doing all they know."
"An exceptionally experienced Detective has charge of the case, and is actively engaged in investigating all matters concerning it;" i.e., "A promoted constable in plain clothes is loafing about the neighbouring public-houses, and standing drinks, generally without the exercise of much discrimination, to unlikely people."
"A young Woman of prepossessing appearance;" i.e., "A rather showy female."
"The Police are, however, very reticent about the whole affair;" i.e., "When ignorance is rife, 'tis folly to give tongue."
"It is believed that the most important discoveries will result from the investigations now in progress;" i.e., "Nothing is known as to whether anything is being done: but it finishes off the paragraph, and sounds well."
"I am assured on the best authority, that there is no truth in the rumour that H.S.H. the Prince of Katzendlenbogen has been laid up with chicken-pox;" i.e., "As there's no news, I may as well invent some, for the sake of contradicting it."
"As everybody knows;" i.e., "I have a certain space to fill, and nothing new to say, so I'll tell an ancient story, or bring in Macaulay's New Zealander."
"As all the world knows," "except myself (the writer), who has met with the information for the first time in a most valuable book of reference."