se he himself
would shortly become a married man. He sat down abruptly and waved the
ruler. As in a dream I sat there listening to his words. I have a notion
now that he gave me his whole life history. I recall reference to--early
years--great ambitions--great work--frustrated--years of exile--unique
qualifications--international journalism--special correspondent--highly
commended--friend of liberty--confidential agent, and so on. He had an
immense command of rapidly enunciated phrases which were run together
and interspersed with melodramatic pauses and gestures. And I said
nothing--nothing at all. He ran on, apparently quite satisfied that I
had a deep and passionate interest in his vapourings. As a matter of
fact, I paid very little attention. I was wondering whether it would be
worth my while to obtain an interview with the girl, if what he had
hinted were true, that her assistance in her father's designs was to
many this eloquent lieutenant and satisfy his 'humble aspirations.' And
while I wondered I heard harsh words uttered within the folding
doors--_confidence in my dispositions_--said a voice of grating
power and guttural sound. Monsieur Nikitos looked at me for an
instant and waved his ruler. He muttered. He alluded to tyrannical
obstinacy--unimaginative autocracy--intolerable domination--and other
polysyllabic enormities. The harsh voice went on in an unintelligible
rumble, rising again to 'post of a secretarial nature--a man of
undeserved misfortune--my disgust--effrontery to submit--resignation.' I
listened, and Monsieur Nikitos, who was gazing at me, gradually assumed
an expression of extreme alarm. He rose and went on tip-toe into the
outer hall. He reappeared suddenly with a broad-brimmed felt hat on his
head. He muttered some excuses--appointment--return immediately--urgent
necessity--apologies--in a moment--and tip-toed away again, leaving me
alone.

"I was beginning to think Jack had forgotten all about me when he came
out and closed the door behind him. We walked out into the passage
together, but he made no remark until I asked him if it was all right
about the coal. He said yes, it was all right, but what did I think?
That chap Macedoine was a wrong-un, according to Gruenbaum. Trying to get
control. Gruenbaum had sacked him. After fetching his daughter out for
him, too. It was true, what Nikitos had told us. They were going all
right but because they had to. Gruenbaum was in a devil of a rage over