Anyway, the Chief could not be persuaded to go home.
"He will see you at once, I think.

He's sitting all alone in his room thinking of all the fishes of the sea," concluded Toodles airily.

"Come along." Notwithstanding the kindness of his disposition, the young private secretary (unpaid) was accessible to the common failings of humanity.

He did not wish to harrow the feelings of the Assistant Commissioner, who looked to him uncommonly like a man who has made a mess of his job.

But his curiosity was too strong to be restrained by mere compassion.