At present I am awaiting certain necessary information, without which you will hardly lay your hands on the good fortune I intend for you." "You are mysterious, my lord.

This boy of mine--" "Will bring you wealth and dignity, I promise, if you allow me to conduct the affair.

If not--" "What is the other reason ?" "The other reason," replied the Earl, looking down and moving a skittle gently with the toe of his boot--"the other reason is that I require you to spend the first part of your holiday elsewhere." "Where may that be ?" "At Saint Germains." "My lord, you risk my neck with much composure!" "There is no risk at all, unless--" "Pray finish your sentence." "-- Unless you refuse," said the Earl significantly.
"Proceed, my lord." Captain Salt's face flushed scarlet; then a sweat broke out on his temples, where an instant before the veins had swelled with rage.
"There is nothing to prevent your starting at once.

You have altered the fuses, I suppose ?" "Yes." "And made all the arrangements ?" "Nothing is omitted.

The guns will be fired twenty minutes too soon, at ten minutes after nine.