He himself was sublimely unconcerned, for he knew exactly where he had the Great Ones of Scotland Yard. He had them right where he wanted them, gently but firmly held down under his brogues, and he wasn't of the type to indulge in gloating on that account. It had simply been, in his opinion, necessary for him to stand on their necks, and he had done it. That was all. It never occurred to him to crow about it, any more than he gave a snide halfpenny for the consequences. He finished his cigarette and extinguished it, and selected a second. The drone of dispute died away. "Will you answer some questions?" asked Sir John Marker. "Within limits--yes," Storm gave back without hesitation. "Are you convinced that you know the Triangle?" "Yes," "You based your conclusion entirely on two scraps of evidence?" "Yes." "Solely?" "No. Only a born fool forms a theory on the basis of two scraps of evidence without applying the known facts to that theory and finding out how it wears." "And you think your theory stands the test?" "Beautifully." "What chance would you give your theory in a court of law?" "About as much chance as a very small icicle in a burning fiery furnace," said Storm carefully--"depending, of course, on the precise grade of imbeciles you chose your jury from." The Home Secretary conferred in an undertone with Smethurst. "Then you think," he said, his lips twitching at the corners, "that if you are allowed to go on in your own way. without question, you will be able to raise your theory to the standard of obviousness demanded by a jury of average imbeciles?" "It's possible." "And what about the crimes which may be committed by the Triangle while you are attempting to do this?" "They will be fewer than if you took the case out of my hands." "Then what are your immediate plans?" "I'm going to confirm my theory to my own satisfaction, and--by way of an impartial witness--to the satisfaction of Inspector Teal; and then I shall find the Triangle, and----" "And?" "He will die," said Storm simply. "But it will not be on the gallows." His even, unemotional tone held them all rapt. In spite of themselves, his personality had gripped them. His slim straight figure stood out above them; his level confident voice commanded their unwilling attention; he dominated the scene as surely as if he had sat in the Chief Commissioner's chair with all the authority of Parliament behind him.