The Home government--which was the India Office in those days--took no notice whatever.

One or two men out here believed, but I think they're dead.

When the Foreign Office took the country over I don't suppose they overhauled old reports very carefully.

I dare say my letters on the subject lie inches deep in dust." "England doesn't deserve to keep her colonies!" vowed Fred, caught in a sudden flood of indignation.
Courtney laughed.
"When you've seen as many of the other nations' colonies as I have you'll qualify that verdict! We do our best.

God gave us our work to do, and the devil came and made us stupid! Take this country, for instance." "Yes!" agreed Fred.