It was the foundation of a debate, I recollect, at a recent dinner party, as to the extraordinarily exaggerated value people in your country seem to claim for human life, as compared to us Orientals.

But pray proceed, Mr.Inspector Jacks," the Prince continued courteously.
"The investigation, I am sure, is in most able hands." "You are very kind, sir," said the Inspector.

"I do my best, but I might admit to you that I have never found a case so difficult to grasp.
Our methods perhaps are slow, but they are, in a sense, sure.

We are building up our case, and we hope before long to secure the criminal, but it is not an easy task." The Prince bowed.

This time he made no remark.
"The evidence which I have collected from various sources," Inspector Jacks continued, "leads me to believe that the person who committed this murder was a foreigner." "What you call an alien," the Prince suggested.