He's a blackmailer, who aims high--a broker in secrets, a scandal-peddler.

He's a bad lot, I tell you.

I've had my best men after him, and they've just been here to report another failure.

If you have nothing better to do--" began the old man.
"Yes; that packet must be recovered," answered Armitage.

"If your agents have failed at the job it may be worth my while to look for it." His quiet acceptance of the situation irritated the minister.
"You entertain me, John Armitage! You speak of that packet as though it were a pound of tea.