Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/196

 "Great heavens!" ejaculated Blake, "that's what I call a large order. Shall I ask them to make a bid for the rest of the island?"

"Now, what I want from you, Blake, is prompt action, and not attempted sarcasm. Send that message over the wire, and return for further instructions."

When Blake came back, Stranleigh said:

"Now take this down in shorthand as accurately as possible, type it out, then read it to me. I'll merely suggest what I want, and leave the details entirely to your carrying-out. It is rather a particular piece of work, and I am anxious there should be no publicity and no bungling. I wish to engage for the summer two hundred men at a price just a little more than the current wage of such men in their respective localities. All their expenses shall be paid, and they shall enjoy free board and lodging while in my service.

"These men must possess naval or military training; none is to be over fifty years of age; all must speak English intelligently, and if acquainted with England and its manners and customs, so much the better. Fifty of these men are to be selected in Hamburg, subjects of the German Emperor; fifty are to come from Amsterdam,