Meanwhile, Mr. Murton was having his difficulties with the solicitor of the South-Eastern over the legal question of the company's claims to ancient manorial rights to the use of the foreshore at Shakespeare Cliff, as the tone of various letters he was obliged to write indicates. For example: DEAR SIR, May I remind you that I have not yet received the abstract of title; I beg that you will at once send it to me.... I am, & c., WALTER MURTON Or again: DEAR SIR, I am without answer to my letter of the 31st ultimo. I beg you will let me know without further delay whether you do or do not propose to send me abstract of title. I am, & c., WALTER MURTON Or yet again: DEAR SIR, Will you kindly write me a reply to my letters which I can send on to the Board of Trade. Yours, & c., WALTER MURTON By June 9, the Board of Trade became quite out of patience over the matter of inspecting the tunnel. Introducing an ominous note, it informed Sir Edward that Mr. Chamberlain "feels that he must insist upon this visit of inspection, and if he understands that permission is refused, will be compelled to place the matter in the hands of his legal advisers, with the view of determining and enforcing the rights of the Crown." Sir Edward was indignant. In reply, he declared that he was being subjected to an "undeserved threat." Mr. Chamberlain, responding, denied that the threat was undeserved. He wrote firmly: Hitherto, on one ground or another, this inspection has been again and again postponed. I am bound to guard the rights of the Crown in this matter, and I desire to ascertain whether those rights have up to the present time been in any way invaded. This is the object of the inspection, and as it will not brook delay ... I have only now to ask an immediate answer stating definitely when it can take place. Sir Edward's answer was once more to beg Mr. Chamberlain himself to join a party of prominent visitors going down to see the tunnel; he added that "Colonel Yolland shall be at once communicated with."