It is part of my job to obtain from you a statement of your opinion as to exactly how far our _entente_ with France is binding upon us." Hebblethwaite cleared his throat.
"If this is for publication," he remarked, "could you manage a photograph of myself at the head of the interview, in these clothes and with this hat?
I rather fancy myself to-day.

A pocket kodak is, of course, part of the equipment of a German spy." "Sorry," Norgate regretted, "but that's a bit out of my line.

I am the disappointed diplomatist, doing the dirty work among my late friends.
What we should like to know from Mr.Hebblethwaite, confidentially narrated to a personal friend, is whether, in the event of a war between Germany and Russia and France, England would feel it her duty to intervene ?" Hebblethwaite glanced around.

The throng of people had cleared off to watch the concluding stages of the match.
"I have a sovereign on this," he remarked, glancing at his card.
"Which have you backed ?" Norgate enquired.
"The Lancers." "Well, it's any odds on the Hussars, so you've lost your money," Norgate told him.
Hebblethwaite sighed resignedly.

"Well," he said, "the question you submit is a problem which has presented itself to us once or twice, although I may tell you that there isn't a soul in the Cabinet except one who believes in the chance of war.