“Nor the Admiralty,” Street echoed.
Street flicked the ash from his cigarette. “It is of the utmost importance that we should be committed to nothing.”
“But we can rely upon your support?”
Hartfeld nodded. “Speaking for myself alone; I can’t answer for others.”
“Isn’t that a little nebulous?” Ordith asked.
“We can do no more than promise to do our utmost,” said Street, in the pained voice of one whose offer of his life’s blood has been scorned.
“We shall be grateful,” said Ordith.
“Most grateful,” Mr. Fane-Herbert added solemnly. He knew how foolish it was to ruffle officials. “Another brandy, Street? A cigar?”
“But, apart from the question of gratitude and the gentlemanly preamble,” Ordith continued, “let’s see exactly how we stand. As I see it——”