What do you say, Mr Brand ?' Mr Norie had obviously pinned his colours to the fence, but he gave me the chance I had been looking for.

I let them have my views with a vengeance, and these views were that for the sake of democracy the war must be ended.

I flatter myself I put my case well, for I had got up every rotten argument and I borrowed largely from Launcelot Wake's armoury.

But I didn't put it too well, for I had a very exact notion of the impression I wanted to produce.

I must seem to be honest and in earnest, just a bit of a fanatic, but principally a hard-headed businessman who knew when the time had come to make a deal.