He leaned back in his chair.
"Why?" he asked. "What need is there to hesitate? The chance may slip by. There are many others on the look out."
"There is no one outside the Military Board save myself who could give these particulars," I said slowly.
"But my friends," he said sharply. "Theirs is a foolish offer. They may change their minds. Guy, my boy, I know the world well. Let me give you a word of advice. When a good thing turns up, don't play with it. The men who decide quickly are the men who do things."
I thrust my hand into my breast-pocket and drew out a roll of papers.
"Supposing I have already decided," I said.
His eyes gleamed with excitement. He almost snatched at the papers, but I held them out of his reach. Then with a sharp little cry the woman stood suddenly between us. There was a look almost of horror on her pale strained face, as she held out her hand as though to push me away.
"Guy, are you mad?" she cried.
The veins stood out upon my father's forehead. He regarded her with mingled anger and surprise.
"What do you mean, Maud?" he exclaimed. "How dare you interfere? Guy, give me the papers."