Page:War's dark frame (IA warsdarkframe00camp).pdf/268

230 nouncing that the gentlemen awaited the clerk's arrival in a remote parlour which they had reserved.

“’Go along, sonny,' his host said, yawning. "I can't be bothered with these people. You go sit down and have a nice chat with 'em, and let 'em get whatever they have on their minds out of the way.'

"’But what do you want me to say to them?'

"’Say as little as possible, I tell you. say, "I must return for further instructions to England.” Yes. That's a nice answer. That can't offend 'em. You say just that, and now and then you might put in, “Gentlemen, you interest me.’"

"Go on.

"The clerk looked at him appealingly, but his host waved him away.

"’Don't ask so many questions. I hired you to talk to people like this. Do as you're told, and you'll be all right.'

“So the clerk went to the remote parlour, and at his entrance the elderly, aristocratic gentlemen arose, bowing most profoundly.

"Will you sit here, your excellency? You slept well? You were not too uncomfortable in those insufficient rooms? You find that chair to your liking? Suppose we speak informally of that which brings us together.'