Lucian Gregory says to Syme "if, after all this, you were to break your word, God would make a hell only for you, to howl in for ever" (26). Despite their differences Gregory is quite adamant about Syme keeping his word and Syme proves he feels the same when he answers, "I shall not break my word . . . nor will you break yours" (26). In the end neither of them break their promises to each other. So even though the police and the anarchists in this time period are constantly battling back and forth, it is evident that there is still a role to be played by honor. Since he keeps his word to Gregory and displays a true sense of honor, he progresses in the ranks and moves towards his goal of reaching Sunday. .
Before all the police officers on the council become aware of the presence of other law enforcers, they appear very much alone. Each individual believes that they are alone and have six adversaries that would kill them instantly if they were found out. Each undercover detective believes he is in a fanatical endeavor to save hundreds of lives, not just now but gradually over the years. Within this incredibly unique and complex situation every single member present is displaying heroic amounts of courage. They have placed themselves unknowingly in the same life-threatening situation. If Syme's bravery were to falter for even the quickest moment, no doubt a man as observant and clever as Sunday would have picked up on it, much as he did with Gogol, "His name is Gogol. He is that hairy humbug over there who pretends to be a pole" (72). Throughout the novel Syme continually finds himself challenging his perception of Sunday. Initially he believes the man to be the purest form of evil, but as his hatred slowly morphs into awe, the reader is able to see the true lack of wickedness anywhere in the story: "There's one thing I'll tell you though about who I am. I am the man in the dark room, who made you all policemen" (174).
