"It is my duty to sit in a sort of rabbit-hutch in the outer office, take the callers' names, and especially to see that they don't get through to Mr. Quhayne till he wishes to receive them. That is the most exacting part of my day's work. You wouldn't believe how full of the purest swank some of these pros. are. Tell you they've got an appointment as soon as look at you. Artful beggars!" Clarence nodded sympathetically. "This morning an Acrobat and Society Contortionist made such a fuss that in the end I had to take his card in to the private office. Mr. Quhayne was there talking to a gentleman whom I recognised as his brother, Mr. Colquhoun. They were engrossed in their conversation, and did not notice me for a moment. With no wish to play the eavesdropper, I could not help but overhear. They were talking about the generals. 'Yes, I know they're press-agented at eight seventy-five, dear boy,' I heard Mr. Quhayne say, 'but between you and me and the door-knob that isn't what they're getting. The German feller's drawing five hundred of the best, but I could only get four-fifty for the Russian. Can't say why. I should have thought, if anything, he'd be the bigger draw. Bit of a comic in his way!' And then he saw me. There was some slight unpleasantness. In fact, I've got the sack. After it was over I came away to try and find you. It seemed to me that the information might be of importance." Clarence's eyes gleamed. "You have done splendidly, Private--no, _Corporal_ Biggs. Do not regret your lost position. The society shall find you work. This news you have brought is of the utmost--the most vital importance. Dash it!" he cried, unbending in his enthusiasm, "we've got 'em on the hop. If they aren't biting pieces out of each other in the next day or two, I'm jolly well mistaken." He rose; then sat down again. "Corporal--no, dash it, Sergeant Biggs--you must have something with me. This is an occasion. The news you have brought me may mean the salvation of England. What would you like?" The other saluted joyfully. "I think I'll have another sparkling limado, thanks, awfully," he said. The beverage arrived. They raised their glasses. "To England," said Clarence simply. "To England," echoed his subordinate. * * * * * Clarence left the shop with swift strides, and hurried, deep in thought, to the offices of the _Encore_ in Wellington Street. "Yus?" said the office-boy interrogatively. Clarence gave the Scout's Siquand, the pass-word. The boy's demeanour changed instantly. He saluted with the utmost respect. "I wish to see the Editor," said Clarence. A short speech, but one that meant salvation for the motherland. Chapter 5 SEEDS OF DISCORD