‘The important thing is: how far will the Party help him?’
‘We shall want a pencil for that. It’s such a nuisance my secretary being away. He always has a pencil. He takes his holiday now. Couldn’t we put it off till Parliament assembles?’
‘The matter is urgent.’
‘Everything seems so urgent nowadays,’ Lord Griffinhoofe smiled sadly, as if remembering better days.
‘We must secure the best lawyers at once.’
‘Oh, it’s a law case! I see.’
‘Yes, I’ve told you so already; an appeal to the Privy Council. Colonial appeals go before the Privy Council.’
‘I remember. That’ll be the Judicial Committee, no doubt. Well, can’t they settle it?’
‘That isn’t the point. It’s a most difficult question of law, and everything depends on how the question is argued. We must get the very best counsel we can. The expenses are enormous.’
‘Can’t the ... er ... the what’s his name manage it?’