“Gentlemen,” said Von Edelstein, “something that will be of great value to you—machine guns.”
“We didn’t order them,” said McMunn, “and I’m not going to pay for them.”
“I am not authorized,” said Von Edelstein, “to reveal secrets of State; but I think I may trust your discretion so far as to say that one very highly placed desires that the Ulster Volunteer Force should be thoroughly equipped for war. It is his wish:——”
“Baron,” said McMunn, “here’s a bill drawn on my firm for the price of the rifles. I’ll trouble you for a receipt, and in the matter of the contents of them cases—I don’t say they’re not machine guns, but I’ve no way of knowing at present. If it turns out that they’re any use to us we may strike a bargain, but I’ll no pay for a pig in a poke.”
He laid his bill and a form of receipt on the table. Von Edelstein pushed them aside.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “between comrades in arms there is no question of payment. It is the wish of one who is very highly placed that your army——”
“But look here,” said Lord Dunseverick, “we are not comrades in arms, as you call it.”
“Ah,” said Von Edelstein. “Not to-day, not to-morrow perhaps. But who knows how soon? When the word is given, and some batteries of our artillery land in Belfast to support your excellent infantry——”
“What’s that?” said Ginty.
“And a regiment of Prussian Guards——”