“Annoyed? Why?”
“He seemed to think it was a bit patronising of you to make a plan at all.”
“Oh, nonsense!” snapped Coles. “He didn’t understand. You didn’t explain it properly.”
“I didn’t have time.”
Coles shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, anyway, I shall try it all the same, and then when he finds out how successful it turns out perhaps he’ll alter his mind. When I first got the idea I never thought I’d have such a topping chance as this to put it into effect. Just imagine Rouse’s feelings now. If ever he’s going to do what we want, now’s the chance. If he needs anything to help him decide we ought to send it to him. My original idea was just to play on the fact that he’d had his day and he ought to be satisfied, and let the school get on with it. This is twenty times better. It’s a dead snip.” He laughed shortly. After a moment he opened a book upon the table and took from between the pages a sheet of plain paper. This he passed with evident pride to Roe. “Would you recognise that writing?” said he.
Roe peered at it thoughtfully.
“No,” said he at last. “It looks like some kid’s.”
Curiously enough, Terence expressed exactly the same opinion when that sheet of paper was handed to him a few hours later. He added, however, a brief proviso.