Instead of doing so, Rhodes, carried away as he always was by this everlasting desire to be the first everywhere, did not even give a thought to the wisdom of confiding to anyone the efforts which he undoubtedly made to induce the Bond leaders to trust him again.
There was a moment when things got very near to an understanding between Rhodes and Sir Alfred.

This was when Mr.Sauer himself entertained the thought of letting Rhodes sway the future by making with the English Government conditions of a peace which would not wound to the quick the feelings of the Dutch part of the population of the Colony.
A circumstance, apparently insignificant, destroyed all the hopes that had been entertained by several who wished the Colossus well.

Certain papers were brought to Rhodes; these contained information likely to prove of use to him as well as to the English Government.

After he had read them he asked that they should be left with him until the following day.

The person in charge of the documents had been asked not to part with them even for a single hour, as it was important that no one should be able to copy documents which might seriously compromise certain people.