Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/178

 singularly inopportune, and you should remember that when a man complains of his own mental equipment, he always does so to a person undoubtedly his intellectual inferior."

"I thought you said a while ago that most men owe their brilliancy to private secretaries?"

"Every rule has its exceptions, Blake. Let us prove exceptional. The point I am endeavouring to make is this: I have tried to carry out some of my own ideas, and one or two of other people's. Failure in both cases. When I advertised for an idea, and was willing to pay for it, the response was overwhelming. Have you had time to examine any more of the letters?"

"I have looked through them all."

"Industrious man. How many good ideas did you get?"

"Two. Three at most."

"A modern rendition of the needle in the haystack. What was the idea that most commended itself to you?"

"That your lordship should go to prison for the good of the country."

"Well, Blake, aware as you must be that I do everything by deputy, I can't see why you're so cheerful about the proposal. However, though I