“The time is approaching,” said Mr. Hilary Wykes of Denmark Holdings, “when I expect to see a few results. I’m sure you’ll agree?” He examined his fingernails which were distressingly dirty, for there are oily traces from the interior of even the best engines which refuse to be removed. He disliked the man to whom he was talking, scarcely bothering to conceal the fact.
“On a retainer like yours, even allowing for the expenses of your organization, which appears to consist of a repulsive woman called Richards, an office girl, two full-time ex-narks, and a fat oaf who hangs around the gardens of the Turrets, you are doing quite comfortably. It won’t last, you know. Up here we are simply interested in the end product. Do you get the message?”
The proprietor of Intercity Inquiries, to whom t
