It was in harmony with the promptings of Mr Verloc's genius.

It had also the advantage of being within the range of his powers and of adjusting itself easily to the practice of his life, which had consisted precisely in betraying the secret and unlawful proceedings of his fellow-men.

Anarchists or diplomats were all one to him.

Mr Verloc was temperamentally no respecter of persons.

His scorn was equally distributed over the whole field of his operations.