med if we are not--as near to a
state of perfection as it is possible for mortal man to attain on this
side the grave, and all for the modest sum which you are but too well
aware is the extent of our income."

"Is one of the things expected of you," asked Molly, "to have an
exceedingly high estimate of yourselves?"

"Nay, Molly, don't you join the ranks of those who are against us. It
will be more than criminal if you do. You are aware that I am giving
the opinion expressed by men of position who ought to know everything
about the force. That we fulfil the conditions required of us not so
badly is proved by the fact that last year, out of the whole 12,000
there were 215 officers and 1225 men who obtained rewards for zeal and
activity, while only one man was discharged, and four men were fined or
imprisoned. I speak not of number one--or, I should say Number 666.
For myself I am ready to admit that I am the most insignificant of the
force."

"O Giles! what a barefaced display of mock modesty!"

"Nay, Molly, I can prove it. Everything in this world goes by contrast,
doesn't it? then, is there a man in the whole force except myself, I
ask, whose wife is so bright and beautiful and good and sweet that she
reduces him to mere insignificance by contrast?"

"There's something in that, Giles," replied Molly with gravity, "but go
on with your lecture."

"I've nothing more to say about the force," returned Giles; "if I have
not said enough to convince you of our importance, and of the debt of
gratitude that you and the public of London owe to us, you are past
conviction, and--"

"You are wrong, Giles, as usual; I am never past conviction; you have
only to take me before the police court in the morning, and any
magistrate will at once convict me of stupidity for having married a
Scotchman and a policeman!"

"I think it must be time to go on my beat, for you beat me hollow," said
Number 666, consulting his watch.

"No, no, Giles, please sit still. It is not every day that I have such
a chance of a chat with you."

"Such a chance of pitching into me, you mean," returned Giles.
"However, before I go I would like to tell you just one or two facts
regarding this great London itself, which needs so much guarding and
such an army of guardians. You know that the Metropolitan District
comprises all the parishes any portion of which are within 15 miles of
Charing Cross--this area being 688 square miles. The rateable val