"To watch for the other side's mistakes and take advantage of them," was the reply, "just as in politics," with a smile at Mr. Llewellyn John. Mr. Llewellyn John nodded agreement. "You remember the Winthorpe murder case, Sir Roger?" "I do," said the Home Secretary. "There Scotland Yard tracked a man who had been three weeks at large. He made the mistake of calling somewhere for his washing, and the police had been watching the place for three weeks." "That's all very well," said Sir Roger, obviously annoyed. "But you must remember, Colonel Walton, that this John Dene business has a political significance. It's--it's embarrassing the Government." "But while they are worrying about that," remarked Colonel Walton imperturbably, "they're dropping the 'intern all aliens' cry." Mr. Llewellyn John smiled. "I'm convinced," he said, "that there's quite a large section of the public that would like me to intern everybody whose name is not Smith, Brown, Jones or Robinson." "Or Sage," suggested Colonel Walton slyly. "Sage!" cried Mr. Llewellyn John, "he ought to be in the Tower. But seriously, Walton. What I want to know is how long this will last?" "In all probability until the full four months have expired," was the rejoinder. "Good heavens!" cried Mr. Llewellyn John in consternation. "I should not be alarmed, sir, if I were you," said Colonel Walton with a smile. "The public will soon get another cry. Sage suggests they may possibly hang an ex-minister." Mr. Llewellyn John laughed. Colonel Walton's reference was to a previous Prime Minister who on one occasion had enquired of a distinguished general if he had ever contemplated the effect on the public of the possibility of Great Britain losing the war. "They'd hang you, sir," the general had replied, leaning forward and tapping the then Prime Minister on the knee with an impressive forefinger. For a few moments there was silence, broken at length by Sir Roger. "But that does not relieve my congested Department," he said complainingly. "I'm afraid," said Colonel Walton, turning to Mr. Llewellyn John, "that it's impossible for Department Z. to work along any but its own lines. If Sage and I do not possess the confidence of the War Cabinet, may I suggest that we be relieved of our duties." "Good heavens, Walton!" cried Mr. Llewellyn John. "Surely you're not going to start resigning." "In the light of Sir Roger's remark, it's the only course open for me," was the dignified retort, as Colonel Walton rose. "No, no," murmured Mr. Llewellyn John, looking across at the Home Secretary. "You must remember, Walton, that Sir Roger has had a very trying time owing to--to these--advertisements, and--and----" He paused and again he looked expectantly at Sir Roger, who seemed engrossed in fingering the lower button of his waistcoat. "Neither Sage nor I have any desire to embarrass you or the Home Secretary," continued Colonel Walton, "but----"