Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 2.pdf/428

 you want to go through the Ways of the city and see the common people."

Suddenly he came to some conclusion. "You would need to go disguised," he said. "The city is intensely excited, and the discovery of your presence among them might create a fearful tumult. Still this wish of yours to go into this city—this idea of yours— Yes, now I think the thing over, it seems to me not altogether— It can be contrived. If you would really find an interest in that! You are, of course, Master. You can go soon if you like. Asano will be able to manage a disguise. He would go with you. After all it is not a bad idea of yours."

"You will not want to consult me in any matter?" asked Graham suddenly, struck by an odd suspicion.

"Oh, dear, no! No! I think you may trust affairs to me for a time, at any rate," said Ostrog, smiling. "Even if we differ"

Graham glanced at him sharply.

"There is no fighting likely to happen soon?" he asked abruptly.

"Certainly not."

"I have been thinking about those negroes. I don't believe the people intend any hostility to me, and after all I am the Master. I do not want any negroes brought to London. It is an archaic prejudice perhaps, but I have peculiar feelings about Europeans and the subject races. Even about Paris"

Ostrog stood watching him from under his drooping brows. "I am not bringing negroes to London," he said slowly. "But if"