"I haven't, but if a certain suspicion I have formed is true, I might be able to get you one. In any case, Dartrey, don't come to any decision for a day or two. If it is for the good of the party for you to throw me overboard, you must do it, and I can assure you I'll take the plunge willingly. On the other hand, if you want me to fight, I'll fight." Dartrey smiled. "It is extraordinary," he said, "how one realises more and more, as time goes on, how inhuman politics really are. The greatest principle in life, the principle of sticking to one's friends, has to be discarded. I shall take you at your word, Tallente. I am going to consider only what I think would be best for the welfare of the Democratic Party and in the meantime we'll just go on as though nothing had happened." "If Horlock approaches me," Tallente began-- "He can go out either on a vote of confidence or on an adverse vote on any of the three Bills next week," Dartrey said. "We don't want to drive them out like a flock of sheep. They can go out waving banners and blowing tin horns, if they like, but they're going. It's time the country was governed, and the country, after all, is the only thing that counts.--I am sorry to send you back to work, Tallente, in such a state of uncertainty, but I know it will make no difference to you. Strike where you can and strike hard. Our day is coming and I tell you honestly I can't believe--nothing would make me believe--that you won't be in at the death." "Don't forget that we meet to-night in Charles Street," Tallente reminded them, as he shook hands. "Trust Nora," Dartrey replied. "She has been looking forward to it every day." "I now," Tallente said, as he took up his hat and stick, "am going to confront an editor." "You are going to try and get me a copy of the article?" Tallente nodded. "I am going to try. If my suspicions are correct, you shall have it in twenty-four hours." Tallente, however, spent a somewhat profitless morning, and it was only by chance in the end that he succeeded in his quest. He strolled into the lounge at the Sheridan Club to find the man he sought the centre of a little group. Greetings were exchanged, cocktails drunk, and as soon as an opportunity occurred Tallente drew his quarry on one side. "Greening," he said, "if you are not in a hurry, could I have a word with you before lunch?" "By all means," the other replied. "We'll go into the smoking room." They strolled off together, followed by more than one pair of curious eyes. An interview between the editor of the daily journal having the largest circulation in Great Britain and Tallente, possible dictator of a new party in politics, was not without its dramatic interest. Tallente wasted no words as soon as they had entered the smoking room and found it empty. "Do you mind talking shop, Greening?" he asked. "I've been down to your place twice this morning, but couldn't find you."