We must be in a position to--What is your general idea, stated shortly?
No need to go into details." "No, Sir Ethelred.

In principle, I should lay it down that the existence of secret agents should not be tolerated, as tending to augment the positive dangers of the evil against which they are used.

That the spy will fabricate his information is a mere commonplace.

But in the sphere of political and revolutionary action, relying partly on violence, the professional spy has every facility to fabricate the very facts themselves, and will spread the double evil of emulation in one direction, and of panic, hasty legislation, unreflecting hate, on the other.

However, this is an imperfect world--" The deep-voiced Presence on the hearthrug, motionless, with big elbows stuck out, said hastily: "Be lucid, please." "Yes, Sir Ethelred--An imperfect world.