"It is the most extraordinary thing I ever heard in my life," Horlock declared, a little irritably. "Why, I've spent hours of my time trying to get this matter through."
"Dealing seriously with Palliser, thinking that he represented me in this matter?"
"Without a doubt."
"Will you lend me the letters?" Tallente asked.
Mr. Horlock threw them across the table.
"Here they are. My secretary wrote twice to Palliser last week and received no reply. That is why I sent you a telegram."
"I was on my way to see you, anyway," Tallente observed. "I thought that you were going to offer me a seat."
Mr. Horlock shook his head.
"We simply haven't a safe one," he confided, "and there isn't a soul I could ask to give up, especially, to speak plainly, for you, Tallente. They look upon you as dangerous, and although it would have been a nine days' wonder, most of my people would have been relieved to have heard of your going to the Upper House."
"I see," Tallente murmured. "In plain words, you've no use for me in the Cabinet?"