"Let them ask."
"Very well, sir. Then you'll let me arrange things in my own way, and make what explanation I think fit."
"Yes, anything you like. And look here, Smith, spare neither money nor lies. It seems they are both necessary. Only, as you say, let everything be judiciously managed." And he laughed bitterly.
"Trust me for that, sir, trust me for that. You wouldn't like to go round to the Central Committee Rooms, sir? I've arranged to meet the principal workers there."
"No, I'll not go just now. Don't let me detain you Smith. I shall want something to eat, and a little time to think of my speech. And, by the way, I don't want to be disturbed by any one, until a quarter of an hour before the meeting. You understand that?"
"Quite, Mr. Leicester. I'm glad you approve of the steps I've taken."
"Delighted, delighted. You've done marvels."
"I've worked like a slave all day; there's been a thousand things to arrange. But I'm what the Americans call a bit of a hustler, and I mean to win. One must not be too squeamish at times like these, you know. I was afraid a few weeks ago that you were going to hamper me with foolish restrictions, but I am glad you give me a free hand."
"Yes, go ahead, only be judicious. Don't give the other side any chance of making us come a cropper."
"I'll see to that," and the agent departed.