Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

someone who offers opposition

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

in addition

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

causing irritation or annoyance

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

for a short time

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

an occurrence of something

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

plural of “control” — power to direct or determine

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

the quality of being just or fair

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

plural of “magistrate” — a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

a particular point in time

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

not any; not one

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

and nothing more

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

first in rank or degree

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

-ing form of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

on the contrary

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE DIARY Coquenil's effort during the next month might be set forth in great detail.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

in or at that place or location

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

having no precedent; novel

From this reading The case was so extraordinary and unprecedented that it could obviously be met only (if at all) by extraordinary and unprecedented measures.

the act of using

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It may also be told briefly, which is better, since the result rather than the means is of moment.

which person or people

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Under the circumstances there was no way of proving it, for how can the wheels of justice be made to turn against an individual who absolutely controls the manner of their turning, who is able to remove annoying magistrates with a snap of his fingers, and can use the full power of government, the whole authority of the Prime Minister of France and the Minister of Justice for his personal convenience and protection?

having no qualities that would render it valuable or useful

From this reading The detective began by admitting the practical worthlessness of the evidence in hand against this formidable adversary, and he abandoned, for the moment, his purpose of proving that De Heidelmann-Bruck had killed Martinez.