Into the managing editor's tone was come a soothed and softened deference--something of the same deference which Benny, the head office boy, had used in addressing Mr. Foxman. It was a different tone, very, from the sharpened, almost staccato note that Mr. Foxman had been employing but a minute before. Why not? Moreau was but the great man's private secretary and this man, whom now he addressed, was the great man himself--General Robert Bruce Lignum, sole proprietor of _The Clarion_--and the only person, barring himself, from whom Mr. Foxman took orders. Big fleas, you know, have smaller fleas which on them prey; but while preying, the little fleas, if they be little fleas wise in their own generation, are, I take it, likely to cultivate between bites and to use that flattering conversational accent which, the world over, is the most subtle tribute that may be paid by the smaller to the greater and by the greater to the most great. In this agreeably tempered tempo then Mr. Foxman continued, with pauses for his employer's replies. "Sorry, general, to have to call you just as you're starting for the pier, but I was particularly anxious to catch you before you left the house." Instinctively he lowered his voice, although there was no need for any excess of caution. "General, I think I've got that trolley-grab exposé practically lined up. Bogardus told me this afternoon that the third man--you know the one I mean--is ready to talk. It looks to me like a bigger thing even than we thought it might be. It's a scurvy crew we're dealing with, but the end justifies the means. Don't you think so, sir? ... Yes, that's right, too--when thieves fall out honest men get their due. ... Sir? ... Yes, that's my idea, too--to spring the first big story right out of a clear sky and then follow up with an editorial campaign and supplementary news stories until we get action in the district-attorney's office. ... How's that, sir? ... Oh, no, indeed, general, not the slightest particle of danger in my opinion. Personally, I think all this talk about floating mines and submarines has been greatly exaggerated. ... I think you can go right ahead in perfect safety. You must know, general, that I wouldn't be giving you this advice if I thought there was the slightest danger. ... Well, good-by, general, and pleasant voyage. ... Oh, yes, indeed, I'll surely find some way of keeping you posted about the situation at Albany if anything develops in that quarter. ... Well, good-by again, general." He hung up the receiver and turned his hands again to the contents of the morgue envelopes. He was still at this when there came at his door a knock. "Come in," he said without looking up.