"The amazing thing, however, is that they are entirely unauthorised.

The subject has never even been discussed between Palliser and myself.

I am exceedingly sorry, sir," he went on, "that you should have been misled in this fashion, but I can only give you my word of honour that these letters are entirely and absolutely unauthorised." "God bless my soul!" the Prime Minister exclaimed.

"Where is Palliser?
Better telephone." "Palliser left my service a week or more ago," Tallente replied.

"He left it at a moment's notice, in consequence of a personal disagreement concerning which I beg that you will ask no questions I can only assure you that it was not political.