Lindsey. The Premier paused to light a cigar. Coxon watched him with a morose frown; he was angry and envious at Medland's disregard of the pretensions which he thought his own achievements justified. Though he was conscious that it would be wisest to say nothing, he could not help observing,
"Well, I hope it will be a long time before I am asked to change service under you for service under Norburn."
Medland's quick ear caught the note of anger.
"Well," he said, "it's ill prophesying. Time brings its own leaders. I know Norburn and you will work loyally together anyhow, whatever positions you hold to one another."
This polite concession did not appease Coxon.
"There is much that I distrust in his methods and aims," he remarked.
"I mustn't listen to this, my dear fellow."
"Of course I say it in strict——"
"Yes, but still—I should say the same to Norburn."
They walked on a few steps, and the Premier had just taken his cigar from his mouth in order to resume the conversation, when a man stepped up to him, appearing, as it seemed, from among the trees, and said,