“What an egotistical ass this fellow Endor must be.” The voice of Saul Hartz had declined suddenly to a whisper. “However, this young man is not the first dweller in fairyland who has committed hari-kari.”
With a stealthy smile Mr. Gage agreed.
“So much for that—for the moment,” said the Chief, with a little purr of satisfaction. “Now, for more important things. What are we featuring to-night?”
“The attack on the British Consul at Peking.”
The Colossus pursed his lips.
“Must we issue an ultimatum to the Chinese Government?”
“Yes. Give them forty-eight hours to apologize, or take the consequences.”
“They’ll apologize, of course.”
“I’m afraid so, poor brutes! Still, as I told the P. M. last night, it all helps to keep the pot simmering. And sooner or later dear old man Chink will have to be put to it. The trouble is, you see, that Brother Jap will be at the poor old gentleman even if we consent to keep our fingers off him.”
Mr. Gage saw that.