Blenkins cannot be allowed to leave at this juncture. You should make a _démarche_ towards the Office Boy, endeavour to ascertain from him whether _pourparlers_ might not be opened with the Senior Typist in the direction of her using her influence with the Book-keeper to learn whether Blenkins' purpose is in the nature of an ultimatum or a _ballon d'essai_. 3. _From A. M. to J. H. B._ Mr. Blenkins has presented his note. I have the honour to enclose a copy. The Office Boy is absent for a few days attending the obsequies of his grandmother. I have telegraphed to his home in the sense of your despatch. No reply has come, and I have the honour to await Your Excellency's further orders. 4. _From J. H. B. to A. M._ It is imperative that there should be no delay in this matter. You should obtain the address of the office-boy's grandfather, and call upon him to learn whether he will agree to exert his grandparental influence in the direction already outlined. 5. _From J. H. B. to Uncle Edward, Brother Theodore and Cousin Bob, co-Directors._ I enclose copies of correspondence relative to the Blenkins' crisis, which is rapidly assuming a gravity which I cannot affect to view with indifference. I beg you to proceed immediately to Midgely, and support his endeavours with the united weight of your diplomatic abilities. 6. _From A. M. to J. H. B._ I learn from a sure source that the Office-Boy's grandmother has already died three times. The grandfather is alleged to be _non compos mentis_. Mr. Blenkins is mobilising his office papers. This is highly significant. 7. _From A. M. to J. H. B._ Further to my despatch of this morning, I have the honour to report that Mr. Robert Bullivant suggests that we should offer Mr. Blenkins another twenty pounds a year and have done with it. Mr. Theodore Bullivant is firmly opposed to any diplomatic weakness at this juncture, in view of possible demands from the Book-keeper, whom we suspect of a secret _entente_ with Mr. Blenkins. Your Excellency's uncle demands peace at any price. Should I take the unprecedented step of making a direct approach to Mr. Blenkins? 8. _From J. H. B. to A. M._ No. The resources of Diplomacy must first be exhausted. In view of the urgency of the crisis, I authorise you to pass over the Office Boy and open _pourparlers_ with the Senior Typist with a view to obtaining a _mise en demeure_ from Blenkins. 9. _From A. M. to J. H. B._ The Senior Typist has met with a reverse from an experimental hair-dye, and will not be visible for a week. 10. _From J. H. B. to A. M._ Approach the Book-keeper. 11. _From A. M. to J. H. B._