“It’s⁠—it’s not been just fun. You see, I was kinder engaged to Ronny, and when he handed in his checks⁠—well, I had to do something to track down the skunk who murdered him. That’s all.”

“I’m completely bewildered,” said Bundle. “Nothing is what it seems.”

“It’s very simple, Lady Eileen,” said Superintendent Battle. “It began with some of the young people wanting a bit of excitement. It was Mr. Wade who first got on to me. He suggested the formation of a band of what you might call amateur workers to do a bit of secret service work. I warned him that it might be dangerous⁠—but he wasn’t the kind to weigh that in the balance. I made it plain to him that anyone who came in must do so on that understanding. But, bless you, that wasn’t going to stop any of Mr. Wade’s friends. And so the thing began.”

“But what was the object of it all?” asked Bundle.