"Quite correct; the mortality was serious; fortunately I employed native labor."
"But it was human life, father, whether Russian or English."
"Quite true again, Kingsley."
"Holding views as I do, father," said Kingsley, "there appears to me something anomalous--that is putting it very mildly--in this last operation of yours."
Mr. Manners smiled good-humoredly, and nodded his head in pleasant approval.
"Go on, Kingsley."
"For instance, the matter of Russia's nearer approach to India being facilitated by an Englishman. Is not that anomalous?"
"No more anomalous than selling Russia a few millions of our best rifles and a few hundred millions of our best bullets."
"Would you do that?"
"I should like to get the contract."