"And that bit too," said the Duke; "go on to the part that deals with the lawless alien."
"Most difficult of all," read Mr. Nape, "is the landlord's position when he has to deal with the alien, who, ignorant of the law, sets the law at defiance: who opposes his puny strength to the mighty machinery of legislation, and its accredited instruments."
Hank, a silent and interested listener, moved uneasily in the depths of his big chair.
He removed his cigar to ask a question.
"Is she the writ of ejection or the notice to quit?" he asked soberly.
"I gather that she's the court bailiff," said the Duke reverently.
"We would remind the person to whom these admonitions are addressed,—in the friendliest spirit—that there is a power behind the law. The majesty of our prestige is supported by the might of armed force."
"That's the militia," said the Duke, "Captain Hal Tanneur of the North Kent Fencibles! Hank, we're up against the army. We're an international problem: you heard the reference to the friendly relations? We're the fly in the Entente Cordiale ointment."
"And a possible causus belli," murmured Hank.
"And a causus belli," repeated the Duke impressively.