"Well, but without them we should hear of nothing that is going on. This new expedition, for instance, which I have a shrewd suspicion covers some deep design."
"You think so, do you? On what ground, pray?" said Mr. Faulks, with the slight sneer of superior knowledge.
"The Times man hints as much. There has long been a rumour of some change in the plan of operations, and he seems to be right in his conjecture."
"He knows nothing at all about it—how can he?" said Mr. Faulks, contemptuously.
"You must forgive my differing with you. It is not my business to say how he obtains his information, but I have generally found that he is right. Now, this great expedition—"
"Is all moonshine!" cried Mr. Faulks, losing his temper, and thrown off his guard. "It's quite a small affair—a trip round the Sea of Azof, and the reduction of Kertch."
"The old affair revived, in fact."
"Neither more nor less. There is no intention at the present moment of drawing any large detachment from the siege. On the contrary, every effort is being strained to bring it to an end."
"Quite right too; it ought to be vigorously prosecuted—attack should follow attack."
"We shall hear of one or more before long," went on Mr. Faulks, growing more and more garrulous. "Our advanced trenches are creeping very near, and I expect any day to hear that the French have stormed the Mamelon, and our people the Quarries."