On the contrary, he wanted to know just what Mr Verloc would be disposed to say voluntarily.

He hoped Mr Verloc's talk would be of a nature to incriminate Michaelis.

It was a conscientiously professional hope in the main, but not without its moral value.

For Chief Inspector Heat was a servant of justice.

Finding Mr Verloc from home, he felt disappointed.
"I would wait for him a little if I were sure he wouldn't be long," he said.
Mrs Verloc volunteered no assurance of any kind.
"The information I need is quite private," he repeated.