"Where is it ?" "In my pocket," said I, feeling for it.

"No! Why I must have left it at the Golden House." The President came to my assistance.
"I saw it on the table just before we started.

Though I presume Mr.
Jones has no _right_--" "None at all," I said briskly.
"Yet, as a matter of concession, Mr.Martin will no doubt show it to him to-morrow ?" "Strictly as a matter of concession perhaps I will, though I am bound to say that I am surprised at your manner, Mr.Jones." Jones looked sadly puzzled.
"It's all irregular, sir," said he.
"Hardly more so than your costume!" said the President pleasantly.
Jones was a modest man, and being thus made aware of the havoc the draught was playing with his airy covering, he hastily closed the door, and said to me appealingly: "It's all right, sir, I suppose ?" "Perfectly right," said I.
"But highly confidential," added the President.

"And you will put me under a personal obligation, Mr.Jones, and at the same time fulfill your duty to your employers, if you preserve silence till the transaction is officially announced.

A man who serves me does not regret it." Here he was making the most of another opportunity--Jones this time.
"Enough of this," I said.