We must not put an undue strain on his loyalty.

That's always a mistake.

Besides, I want a free hand--a freer hand than it would be perhaps advisable to give Chief Inspector Heat.

I haven't the slightest wish to spare this man Verloc.
He will, I imagine, be extremely startled to find his connection with this affair, whatever it may be, brought home to him so quickly.
Frightening him will not be very difficult.

But our true objective lies behind him somewhere.