Once more Rookley nodded.
“That being so,” Westerham continued, “will you allow me to ask you if you have ever known even as bad a business as this hushed up for high political motives?”
Rookley started and stared at him.
“Oh, I see you have,” said Westerham.
“This is not Russia, sir,” remarked Mr. Rookley.
“No,” said Westerham, “but, on the other hand, Russian methods are not wholly unknown in this country.”
It was Mr. Rookley's turn to look uncomfortable now.
“Now,” continued Westerham, “you have warned me. I want to warn you. In dealing with me you are dealing with no ordinary person. I assure you that by my silence I am doing my duty by the State, although I practically know no more what this means than you do. I give you my word on that.
“I know, however, sufficient to appreciate that my arrest must result in a great many inquiries, the effect of which will be disastrous, not only to individuals, but to the State. I repeat again that I cannot see plainly in what way, but I have sufficient knowledge to justify my assuming this conclusion.