Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/203

 as you will learn by perusing his speeches in those divisions of the British Isles.

He was supposed to rule the Cabinet much more effectively than the Premier, or, indeed, any other member of it, half the nation earnestly believing he was luring it down to destruction; the other half that he was heading straight for Elysium. It was generally agreed that he never spared himself, but worked like a demon, and, if he believed everything he said in his eloquent and popular addresses, his opinions must have been as varied and tumultuous as his blood.

The more militant section of his audiences listening to his eloquence on the brotherhood of man, were filled with distrust, believing him to be indifferent regarding the defence of his country. Everyone was prepared to welcome brotherhood, but many of them thought that the Big Stick should be within reach, in case brotherhood happened to slip a cog.

One hot afternoon in late July the Right Honourable Mr. Wynn was hard at work in his official Downing Street room, entirely alone. There were some knotty points of Government to settle, and for once the Minister desired peace and quietness. He had dismissed all his underlings and had abandoned successively coat, waistcoat, necktie and