Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/234

 the one thing on earth that an enterprising reporter is looking out for. I should hesitate, and appeals would be made to me.

"'What is Stranleigh trying to do?' the reporters would ask.

"Why, you see the result at once. An instant furore in the Press, for and against you. Questions asked in Parliament, receiving evasive replies from Ministers. Pictures in the papers of the purchased coastguard stations; pictures of old coastguardsmen; pictures of the foreigners installed by Stranleigh; portraits of Stranleigh himself (a) as the saviour of his country, (b) as a traitor who should be hanged. Wild excitement throughout the land when the villain Stranleigh spirits these foreigners away from their posts, and places them outside the range of English law. Why, it makes my blood boil with indignation when I think of such good material wasted. And then you'd have made the Government sit up, instead of which your project fizzled out like a damp squib."

"My dear Blake, you wax eloquent. I'd no idea so much enthusiasm was concealed behind such an unprepossessing exterior."

"I said you didn't appreciate me."

"Very well, Blake. Such neglect of soaring