Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Dynamiter

b NEW ARABIAN NIGHTS.
* Do you then propose, dear boy, that we should turn
detectives 1 ' inquired Challoner,
' Do I propose it ? No, sir,' cried Somerset. ' It is
reason, destiny, the plain face of the world, that com-
mands and imposes it. Here all our merits tell ; our
manners, habit of the world, powers of conversation,
vast stores of unconnected knoAvledge, all that we are
and have builds up the character of the complete
detective. It is, in short, the only profession for a
gentleman.'
' The proposition is perhaps excessive,' replied
Challoner ; ' for hitherto I own I have regarded it as
of all dirty, sneaking and ungentlemanly trades, the
least and lowest.'
' To defend society ? ' asked Somerset ; ' to stake
one's life for others ? to deracinate occult and powerful
evil ? I appeal to Mr. Godall. He, at least, as a
philosophic looker on at life, will spit upon such philis-
tine opinions. He knows that the policeman, as he is
called upon continually to face greater odds, and that
both worse equipped and for a better cause, is in form
and essence a more noble hero than the soldier. Do
you, by any chance, deceive yourself into supposing that
a general would either ask or expect, from the best army
ever marshalled, and on the most momentous battle-
field, the conduct of a common constable at Peckham
Ryeri
' I did not understand we were to join the force,' said
Challoner.
' Nor shall we. These are the hands ; but here — here,
sir, is the head,' cried Somerset. ' Enough ; it is decreed.
We shall hunt down this miscreant in the sealskin coat.'
' Suppose that we agreed,' retorted Challoner, ' you
* Hereupon the Arabian author enters on one of his digres-
sions. Fearing, apparently, that the somewhat eccentric views
of Mr. Somerset should throw discredit on a part of tiuth, he
calls upon the English people to remember with more gratitude
the services of the police; to what unobserved and solitary acts
of heroism they are called ; against what odds of numbers and
of arms, and for how^ small a reward, either in fame or money :
matter, it has appeared to the translators, too serious for this place.