to-night he essayed deeper waters than before, and under an
almost sensational heading declared that in this apparently
innocent border rising we had less an outcome of mere racial
antagonism than a first faint index of a long-cherished
Russian scheme, growing to a gradual maturity under the
"drift" policy of the present British government.

The effect produced by this pronouncement, if strong, was
varied. Members of the Opposition saw, or thought they saw, a
reflection of it in the smiling unconcern on the Ministerial
benches; and the government had an uneasy sense that behind
the newly kindled interest on the other side of the House lay
some mysterious scenting of battle from afar off. But though
these impressions ran like electricity through the atmosphere,
nothing tangible marked their passage, and the ordinary
business of the House proceeded until half-past eleven, when
an adjournment was moved.

The first man to hurry from his place was John Chilcote,
member for East Wark. He passed out of the House quickly,
with the half-furtive quickness that marks a self-absorbed
man; and as he passed the policeman standing stolidly under
the arched door-way of the big court-yard he swerved a little,
as if startled out of his thoughts. He realized his swerve
almost before it was accomplished, and pulled himself together
with nervous irritability.

"Foggy night, constables," he said, with elaborate carelessness.

"Foggy night, sir, and thickening up west," responded the man.