"Very good.

I will myself go to the sub-stations by your special transport, and if the Governor says the charge is reasonable, I will pay on my return.

I think that will meet the matter." But it did not at all meet the matter, and the junior officer at once informed his senior that unhappily the special transport had that very morning developed a leak in the boiler.
There followed an embarrassing delay.

The authorities waited for Mr.
Hume to make a business-like proposal, but the hunter remained grimly silent.

The two officers whispered.
"Observe, m'sieur," said the senior, clearing his throat, "my colleague suggests a middle way.