Thus he acquired an idea of the nature of Mr Verloc's commerce, of his personal appearance, and heard at last his name.

In a pause the Assistant Commissioner raised his eyes, and discovered some animation on the Chief Inspector's face.

They looked at each other in silence.
"Of course," said the latter, "the department has no record of that man." "Did any of my predecessors have any knowledge of what you have told me now ?" asked the Assistant Commissioner, putting his elbows on the table and raising his joined hands before his face, as if about to offer prayer, only that his eyes had not a pious expression.
"No, sir; certainly not.

What would have been the object?
That sort of man could never be produced publicly to any good purpose.

It was sufficient for me to know who he was, and to make use of him in a way that could be used publicly." "And do you think that sort of private knowledge consistent with the official position you occupy ?" "Perfectly, sir.