Maraton spent three hours and a half that morning in conclave with the committee appointed for his reception, and for that three hours and a half he was profoundly bored.

Every one had a good deal to say except Richard Graveling, who sat at the end of the table with folded arms and a scowl upon his face.

The only other man who scarcely opened his lips during the entire time, was Maraton himself.

Peter Dale, Labour Member for Newcastle, was the first to make a direct appeal.

He was a stalwart, grim-looking man, with heavy grey eyebrows and grey beard.