"That's very good of you," said Challoner. After all, there were some, it seemed, who knew his worth. "We must meet in the autumn--just those on whom we can depend--and arrange a plan of campaign."
"Yes," said Brook. "But where? We want, don't you think, to mask our batteries until the time comes for opening fire. We might meet at Rames's house--but it is known that he is opposed to the measure." He looked invitingly at his new ally.
"Yes, I see, I see," said Colonel Challoner a little doubtfully. There was a proposal in his mind--he was not quite sure whether he would make it. It was a bold one--it was the burning of his boats.
"Well, why not?" he suddenly said. "Why not meet at my house in Dorsetshire? I have some partridges. They will provide the excuse. Let us meet in October. Let me have the names and I'll quietly ask the men before the session ends."
Mr. Brook was delighted. He called mysteriously upon Harry Rames.
"We have got Challoner," he said. Rames shook his head.
"He'll back out."
"I don't see how he can. He is asking us all to meet at Bramling in the autumn."
Harry Rames sat back in his chair.
"How in the world did you manage that, Brook? We must go, of course."