"I know nothing about him--except that he's said to be a retired tradesman, from London, who settled down here some time ago." Bryce suddenly turned on Jettison.
"Do you ?" he asked.
"I, sir!" exclaimed Jettison.

"I don't know this gentleman--at all!" Bryce laughed--with his usual touch of cynical sneering.
"I'll tell you--now--who old Harker is, Mitchington," he said.

"You may as well know.

I thought Mr.Jettison might recognize the name.

Harker is no retired London tradesman--he's a retired member of your profession, Mr.Jettison.He was in his day one of the smartest men in the service of your department.