“He’s the only man who’s likely to have much influence with King Smith just now, and he won’t approve of irregular executions. If he asks to be allowed to take you back to England, he’ll probably get you. And it’s better to go than to die—also, you can probably give him the slip somewhere or other on the way.”
“Yes,” said Bassett, rubbing his chin. “There’s that. There’s always that.”
“Look here, Bassett,” said Dr Pryce, suddenly, “we shall want four or five good men to patrol outside from sunset to midnight—sober men who can shoot and know when to shoot—Hanson and Burbage are the right type. Go now and find them.”
“I’ll do it at once. Shall I bring them here?”
“No. Just get their names. I’ll talk to them later.”
“And, I say, wouldn’t it be a good thing if we elected King Smith a member now?”
“Might as well offer a mad buck-elephant a lump of sugar. You go and find those men.”
“Now,” said Dr Pryce, as soon as Bassett had gone.
“Smith will tell Lechworthy everything. Lechworthy goes home with our names in his pocket. Therefore he must not go home.”
“Certainly. Nor must other people go home with similar information.”