Its servants must take their responsibility and act if they were going to cope with the intrigues and manoeuvres of the Germans.

There was no time for discussions with London, and London was overworked in any case.
The Post Office, except on rare occasions, could not be used; telegrams, however ingenious the cipher, were dangerous; and even when London received them, it had not the knowledge of the sender on the spot, wherewith to fill them out.

London, let it be admitted, or rather that one particular small section of London with which Hillyard dealt, was at one with Hillyard.

Having chosen its men it trusted them, until such time as indiscretion or incapacity proved the trust misplaced; in which case the offender was brought politely home upon some excuse, cordially thanked, and with a friendly shake of the hand, shown the door.
Hillyard's second conclusion was that of one hundred trails, ten at the most would lead to any result: but you must follow each one of the hundred up until you reach proof that you are in a blind alley.
The third was the sound and simple doctrine that you can confidently look to Chance to bring you results, probably your very best results, if you are prepared and equipped to make all your profit out of chance the moment she leans your way.

Chance is an elusive goddess, to be seized and held prisoner with a swift, firm hand.