Cæsar flung out this with assumed contempt, but it brought no quick retort. Christopher answered slowly, with his eyes on the fire.
“We plan excursions for them when there is anything to see or amusements of some kind. They are like children. If they are not amused they must needs make mischief.”
His voice was rather grave and Aymer knew there must have been difficulties here of which he did not mean to speak openly.
“It is deplorable if our Roadmaker is going about destroying other people’s comfortable paths. Don’t you agree with me, Patricia?”
She flushed up quickly, grasping his meaning at once.
“Not if their paths encroach on weaker people’s rights. I think it’s just what is wanted.” Then because 307 Cæsar laughed, she realised he was only drawing her, and flung him an appealing glance.
“But we mustn’t encourage him openly, Patricia, or he’ll leave us no old tracks at all.”
“I’m only the humble instrument of a company,” protested Christopher. “I merely carry out the regulations of my superiors.”
“Who are entirely at your mercy, you should add.”
Christopher disdained to reply to so obvious a fallacy. Presently, when he had gone to fetch some drawings to show them, Cæsar said quizzically.