AshtonKirk Secret Agent

Those who have read "Ashton-Kirk, Investigator" will recall references to several
affairs in which the United States government found the investigator's unusual powers
of inestimable service. In such matters, tremendous interests often stand dangerously
balanced, and the most delicate touch is required if they are not to be sent toppling.
As Ashton-Kirk has said: "When a crisis arises between two of the giant modern
nations, with their vast armies, their swift fleets, their dreadful engines of war, the
hands which control their affairs must be steady, secret, and sure. Otherwise an
unthinkable horror might be brought about." It frequently happens that such a crisis
arises, the issue is joined and fought out to the bitter end, and the watchful public
press never gets even a hint of it. Indeed, if the secret archives of the nations were
thrown open for inspection, a long series of appalling dangers would be shown to
have been passed by each—dangers arising from small and apparently remote
things, but capable of swift and deadly growth. Experience, steady courage, and sure
talent are required in dealing with such things; and these qualities Ashton-Kirk
possesses in abundance. To be sure, the departments of the government have the
"Secret Service" at their hand; but the specialist is called in when the general
practitioner is at a loss, and he is as much a part of the structure as his regularly
employed colleague. The adventure of the present story is only one of many to be
told of Ashton-Kirk. (Summary by John Thomas McIntyre)