"I've several other items of interest," suggested the Secretary.

"The week-end parties to which you have been invited," Ford
objected, "can wait. Tell me first what chance there is for an
international polo match."

"Polo," sententiously began the Second Secretary, who himself was
a crackerjack at the game, "is a proposition of ponies! Men can be
trained for polo. But polo ponies must be born. Without good
ponies----"

James, the page who guarded the outer walls, of the chancellery,
appeared in the doorway.

"Please, Sir, a person," he announced, with a note for the
Ambassador says it's important."

"Tell him to leave it, said the Secretary. "Polo ponies----"

"Yes, Sir," interrupted the page. "But 'e won't leave it, not
unless he keeps the 'arf-crown."

"For Heaven's sake!" protested the Second Secretary, "then let him
keep the half-crown. When I say polo ponies, I don't mean----"

James, although alarmed at his own temerity, refused to accept the
dismissal. "But, please, Sir," he begged; "I think the 'arf-crown
is for the Ambassador."

The astonished diplomat gazed with open eyes.