"Good. We'll clear up the mess by degrees. And we'll make a strong team. Now, I'd like to know, confidentially, has anything of the sort come to your notice? Have any of your men——?"
"Been offered bribes, sir?" The Superintendent stiffened. "I've heard of none. No-one would dare to attempt to bribe them! And they wouldn't take one—not a man of them."
"You've heard of none, then? But you wouldn't—if it was accepted."
"Wouldn't I? You don't know my men, sir, as I do."
"Well, if you hear of any such attempt, will you let me know?"
"Yes, sir. But I won't hear of any such attempt!"
"How he loves those men, and trusts them!" thought the Lieutenant-Governor, not without envy and admiration.
"I'll rely on your help?" he said aloud.
"Absolutely."
"Good. That's all—just now."