It might mean much.

It might mean nothing at all.

It might be the outcome of conviction.

But it might again be nothing more than the lip-service of a man who knew very well that England and France could squeeze him dry if they chose.
"I wish," said Hillyard cordially, "that the captains of the ports of Spain spoke also with your voice." Jose Medina neither assumed an ignorance of the German leanings of the port officials nor expressed any assent.

But, as if he had realised the thought which must be passing in Hillyard's mind, he said: "You know very well, senor, that I should be mad if I gave help to the Germans.