He will
attempt to starve us into submission first; but he will not destroy
property if he can help it. I have been as brief as possible. Lieutenant
Haddan has told us quite lately of a remark you made which he happened
to overhear. If I quote him correctly, you said to the Englishman Hobbs
that you could get away with it, meaning, as I take it, that you could
succeed in reaching John Tullis. The remark interested me, coming as it
did from one so resourceful. May I not implore you to tell us how you
would go about it?"
Truxton had turned a brick red. Shame and mortification surged within
him. He was cruelly conscious of an undercurrent of irony in the
Premier's courteous request. For an instant he was sorely crushed. A low
laugh from the opposite side of the room sent a shaft to his soul. He
looked up. Vos Engo was still smiling. In an instant the American's
blood boiled; his manner changed like a flash; blind, unreasoning
bravado succeeded embarrassment.
He faced Count Halfont coolly, almost impudently.
"I think I was unfortunate enough to add that your men were going about
it--well, like amateurs," he said, with a frank smile. "I meant no
offense." Then he arose suddenly, adjusted his necktie with the utmost
_sang froid_, and announced:
"I did say I could get to John Tullis.
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