In a short time the footman returned and was immediately followed by the gentleman whom Gaunt had noticed at the meeting.
“This is an unexpected pleasure, Baron,” Gaunt remarked quietly.
“Not quite unexpected, I think. May I sit down, for I think that our interview is likely to be a long one?”
The Baron spoke English with only a faint trace of an accent, but his manner and appearance were distinctly foreign. Without waiting for Gaunt to answer, he moved an armchair into position into which he sank gracefully.
“May I smoke?” he said as he produced a gold cigarette case. “Eh bien, mon ami, I listened to your speech with much interest, and pray allow me to congratulate you upon your eloquence, but the subject matter was deplorable,” the Baron said quietly.
“I do not think that your visit is likely to do any good. Of course I know why you have come to England,” Gaunt answered coldly.
“Yes, it is easy to guess. The cabled reports of your speech the other night seemed incredible and so I thought it better to run over to find out the truth myself. Helas! It is even worse than we had imagined. May I ask if you have taken leave of your senses?” the Baron asked suavely.
“Have I the appearance of a madman?” Gaunt answered with a harsh laugh. “Baron, you and I know one another pretty well, and it is better that we should be quite frank. I suppose that I am the only man in England that really understands the little game that you people are playing in the Congo. In my public utterances I have definitely stated that I intend to concentrate all my energies upon defeating you. Do you understand?”
“Ah, but that was blague, just something to say for a little réclame for yourself. As you say, we know one another, and I am quite sure that you are not the man to go against your own interests, especially those of a pecuniary nature,” the Baron said smoothly.
“If you think that, then I am afraid that you do not know me. I am perfectly serious, and I shall not rest until your régime in the Congo comes to an end.”