“But how came you to give up the Army, and then the interesting occupation of the political branch of the Northern Nigerian Government?”
“Well, there did not seem much in humdrum soldiering. I might have reached command of my regiment, but there appeared to be nothing beyond. And with all its engrossing interest, the civil department in Northern Nigeria was a little monotonous.”
“You wanted greater freedom?”
“Not quite that—opportunities for initiative. I felt that I wished to do something, to be going ahead, and going by my own efforts.”
“Being your own master, as the phrase is?”
“Yes and no. I had not the slightest ground for complaint of any kind against the policy I was a humble unit in helping to carry on, nor against my colleagues, with whom I have always been on the best of terms. I simply wanted to do something fresh, and chance brought me here.”
“Neither you nor your present associates regret the connection?”
The reply was a smile, followed by “I think not.”
“Are you likely to remain?”
“Oh, certainly, unless there is an unexpected upheaval.”