the hands of a good detective agency as he is in the hands of
a good attorney; he should know his agency, that is all--just
as he should know his lawyer. The men at the head of the
big agencies generally take the same pride in their work
as the members of any other profession. They know that a
first-class reputation for honesty is essential to their
financial success and that good will is their stock in trade.
Take this away and they would have nothing.

In 1878 the founder of one of the most famous of our national
agencies promulgated in printed form for the benefit of his
employees what he called his general principles. One of
these was the following:

"This agency only offers its services at a stated per diem
for each detective employed on an operation, giving no
guarantee of success, except in the reputation for
reliability and efficiency; and any person in its service who
shall, under any circumstances, permit himself or herself to
receive a gift, reward, or bribe shall be instantly dismissed
from the service."

Another:

"The profession of the detective is a high and honorable
calling. Few professions excel it. He is an officer of
justice, and must himself be pure and above reproach."

Again: