Captain X twirled his fair moustache.
"It is not for you," he said, "to concern yourself with politics. But since you have asked the question, I will answer it. The far-reaching wisdom of our minters has been exerted to secure the neutrality of England's new ally."
My ponderous friend handed a paper to me across the table.
"See," he said, "it is the order for your rifle, and your ticket of membership. Hirsch!"
Hirsch nodded and took me by the arm. A moment later I descended the three steps into the restaurant, which was now almost deserted.
CHAPTER XXXII
SIR GILBERT HAS A SURPRISE
At half-past ten the next morning, I rang the bell at the door of my cousin's flat and inquired for Sir Gilbert Hardross. It was an excellent testimonial to my altered appearance, that the man who answered the door, and whom I had known all my life, declined promptly to admit me.
"Sir Gilbert is just going out," he said. "He is too busy this morning to see any one."
I kept my foot in the door.