“My own opinion,” said Balder oracularly, “is that there’s somebody at police headquarters who is working against us. I’ve been considering it for a long time, and after consulting my wife——” “You haven’t consulted your children, too, have you?” asked Elk unpleasantly. “The less you talk about headquarters’ affairs in your domestic circle, the better will be your chance of promotion.” Mr. Balder sniffed. “There’s no fear of that, anyway,” he said sourly. “I’ve got myself in their bad books. And I did think there was a chance for me—it all comes of your putting me in with Hagn.” “You’re an ungrateful devil,” said Elk. “Who’s this Number Seven, sir?” asked Balder. “Thinking the matter over, and having discussed it with my wife, I’ve come to the conclusion that he’s one of the most important Frogs, and if we could only get him, we’d be a long way towards catching the big fellow.” Elk put down his pen—he was writing his report at the time—and favoured his subordinate with a patient and weary smile. “You ought to have gone into politics,” he said, and waved his subordinate from the room with the end of his penholder. He had finished his report and was reading it over with a critical eye, when the service ’phone announced a visitor. “Send him up,” said Elk when he had heard the name. He rang his bell for Balder. “This report goes to Captain Gordon to initial,” he said, and as he put down the envelope, Joshua Broad stood in the doorway. “Good morning, Mr. Elk.” He nodded to Balder, although he had never met him. “Good morning,” he said. “Good morning,” said Elk. “Come right in and sit down, Mr. Broad. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?—excuse my politeness, but in the early morning I’m that way. All right, Balder, you can go.” Broad offered his cigar-case to the detective. “I’ve come on a curious errand,” he said. “Nobody ever comes to headquarters on any other,” replied Elk. “It concerns a neighbour of mine.” “Lola Bassano?” “Her husband,” said the other, “Lew Brady.” Elk pushed up his spectacles. “You don’t tell me that she’s properly married to Lew Brady?” he asked in surprise.