Perhaps, on
the whole, more power is lost than gained by habits of secrecy. To be
discreet is a fine thing, especially for a policeman; but when discretion
is carried to such a length in the direction of self-confidence as to
produce a belief that no aid is wanted for the achievement of great
results, it will often militate against all achievement. Had Scotland Yard
been less discreet and more confidential, the mystery might perhaps have
been sooner unravelled. Gager at this very moment had reason to believe
that a man whom he knew could--and would, if operated upon duly--
communicate to him, Gager, the secret of the present whereabouts of
Patience Crabstick! That belief was a great possession, and much too
important, as Gager thought, to be shared lightly with such a one as Mr.
Bunfit--a thick-headed sort of man, in Gager's opinion, although no doubt
he had by means of industry been successful in some difficult cases.
"'Is lordship ain't stirred," said Bunfit.
"How do you mean--stirred, Mr. Bunfit?"
"Ain't moved nowheres out of London."
"What should he move out of London for? What could he get by cutting?
There ain't nothing so bad when anything's up against one as letting on
that one wants to bolt.
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