propose to read, Jeffreys?" he asked.

"No more, Sir Robert. We are paying _The Cynic_ thirty guineas to insert
this article, and the point is that they say that if they have to put in
the 'national and imperial' business they must have twenty more."

"Indeed, Jeffreys? Why?"

"Because, Sir Robert--I will tell you, as you always like to hear the
truth--their advertisement-editor is of opinion that Sahara Limited is a
national and imperial swindle. He says that he won't drag the nation and
the empire into it in an editorial under fifty guineas."

A faint smile flickered on Sir Robert's face.

"Does he, indeed?" he asked. "I wonder at his moderation. Had I been
in his place I should have asked more, for really the style is a little
flamboyant. Well, we don't want to quarrel with them just now--feed the
sharks. But surely, Jeffreys, you didn't come to disturb me about such a
trifle?"

"Not altogether, Sir Robert. There is something more important. _The
Daily Judge_ not only declines to put any article whatsoever, but
refuses our advertisement, and states that it means to criticize the
prospectus trenchantly."

"Ah!" said his master after a moment's thought, "that _is_ rather
serious, since people believe in the _Judge_ even when it is wrong.
Offer them the advertisement at treble rates."