In the next place, I
don't think the sergeant would care for it. The whole business must be
painful to him, and he won't care to be obliged every day of his life to
be staring at something that would remind him of Simpkins. In the third
place, it would almost certainly irritate Simpkins when he heard of it."
"It's that," said Doyle, "that we were hoping it might do."
"Well, then, you may put the idea out of your heads. I can't have
Simpkins irritated at present. It's of the utmost possible importance
that he should be lulled into a sense of security. I can't deal with him
if his suspicions are aroused in the slightest. I've been with him
myself this morning, lulling him."
"Were you, then?" said Doyle.
"I was, and I think I may say that for the immediate present he's lulled."
"And how did you like him?" said Doyle.
"My feelings don't matter," said Meldon. "As a matter of fact, judging
from a single interview, I should say he was a pleasant enough,
straightforward sort of man who is trying to do what is right."
"If he tried less," said Doyle, "he'd get on better."
"Quite so. And you mustn't think that I'm going to allow my personal
feelings to interfere with my action in the matter.
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