An admirable man,
too; honorable and generous. I can conceive no theory to account for
the disappearance of Mrs. Irvin other than that she was a party to the
murder."
"No, sir," said Kerry guardedly. "But we have the dope clue to work
on. That the Chinese receive stuff in the East End and that it's sold
in the West End every constable in the force is well aware. Leman
Street is getting busy, and every shady case in the Piccadilly area
will be beaten up within the next twenty-four hours, too. It's purely
departmental, sir, from now onwards, and merely a question of time.
Therefore I don't doubt the issue."
Kerry paused, cleared his throat, and produced a foolscap envelope
which he laid upon the table before the Assistant Commissioner.
"With very deep regret, sir," he said, "after a long and agreeable
association with the Criminal Investigation Department, I have to
tender you this."
The Assistant Commissioner took up the envelope and stared at it
vaguely.
"Ah, yes, Chief Inspector," he murmured. "Perhaps I fail entirely to
follow you; I am somewhat over-worked, as you know. What does this
envelope contain?"
"My resignation, sir," replied Kerry.
CHAPTER XXIV
TO INTRODUCE 719
Some moments of silence followed.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238