There was a short pause, then the ambassador leaned a trifle toward the other.
"And so," he resumed, "I should take it as a further expression of your good-will if you would hand the paper to me immediately."
Ashton-Kirk rose and looked at his watch once more.
"MY TIME IS SHORT"
"My time is short," said he. "So if there is anything of importance, I beg that you mention it at once."
Von Stunnenberg twisted his up-pointing moustache; his blue eyes were like ice, his manner was grim and menacing.
"There is nothing to be gained by this attitude," said he. "We are not children to be so deceived."
"You are not children to be so deceived," Ashton-Kirk smiled as he repeated the ambassador's words. "Perhaps not; but Matsadi apparently fancied it not very difficult when he arranged his little scene a few minutes ago."