The white-haired gentleman arose and shook his hand cordially.
"I have had such telegrams from you before," he said, "and they have never failed to be followed by matters of some interest."
Ashton-Kirk sat down; the secretary pushed a box of long loosely wrapped cigars toward him.
"They are Porto Ricos," said he. "You may fancy their flavor."
For a little time after lighting the cigars they sat in silence watching the smoke drifts and enjoying the aroma. Then Ashton-Kirk spoke.
"Yesterday," said he, "my attention was called to a rather interesting train of circumstances."
"If you class it as interesting," said the statesman, "there is nothing more to be said. I recall several matters which you handled in a somewhat bored fashion; and yet, to me, they were in many ways really amazing."
"That is, perhaps, because you held to the point of view of the spectator. There is a broad element of drama in most things of this sort, and as a looker-on, this appealed to you. But this present affair," leaning a trifle forward, "may have a greatly increased interest for you, for the indications are that it will lead directly to your department."
The secretary knocked a narrow rim of ash from his cigar; he examined the red end carefully, and then said:
"Indeed?"