I wish to investigate his confused affairs so far as to ascertain whether it may not be possible, after this lapse of time, to ameliorate his unhappy condition.

The name of Mr Tite Barnacle has been mentioned to me as representing some highly influential interest among his creditors.

Am I correctly informed ?' It being one of the principles of the Circumlocution Office never, on any account whatever, to give a straightforward answer, Mr Barnacle said, 'Possibly.' 'On behalf of the Crown, may I ask, or as private individual ?' 'The Circumlocution Department, sir,' Mr Barnacle replied, 'may have possibly recommended--possibly--I cannot say--that some public claim against the insolvent estate of a firm or copartnership to which this person may have belonged, should be enforced.

The question may have been, in the course of official business, referred to the Circumlocution Department for its consideration.

The Department may have either originated, or confirmed, a Minute making that recommendation.' 'I assume this to be the case, then.' 'The Circumlocution Department,' said Mr Barnacle, 'is not responsible for any gentleman's assumptions.' 'May I inquire how I can obtain official information as to the real state of the case ?' 'It is competent,' said Mr Barnacle, 'to any member of the--Public,' mentioning that obscure body with reluctance, as his natural enemy, 'to memorialise the Circumlocution Department.