“Why has John Gaunt started this campaign? We confess that we are unable to answer the question, and until we can do so, it is impossible to believe in his good faith. Philanthropy is the last charge which we should think of bringing against him, and we fear that he can only be animated by some motive that will ultimately benefit himself. It has been suggested that he is anxious to bring about European intervention, in the hope that he will be rewarded by the grant of valuable concessions.”
Gaunt could read no more but threw down the paper in disgust, and he had no doubt that the Baron was responsible for this virulent attack. Another paper attracted his attention; the whole of the front page, which was usually occupied by advertisements, contained a statement upon the Congo question. It was written without any exaggeration, and plainly placed before the public the true state of affairs, laying special stress upon the manner in which the Belgians were deceiving Europe.
There were very few papers that did not contain a similar article, inserted as advertisements and paid for with Gaunt’s money.
“Now I think that the fight has really commenced, and it won’t be long before the Baron makes an answering move,” he muttered to himself.
Shortly afterwards Edward Drake came in; under his arm was a bundle of newspapers, and he smiled when he saw those that Gaunt had thrown on the floor.
“Isn’t it splendid? I think we have made a good start,” he said cheerfully.
“Do you refer to the article in the Comet?” Gaunt asked drily.
“No one will pay any attention to that ‘rag,’” Drake answered quickly, and then hesitated for a moment. “I wonder if you would allow me to tell Lady Ethel everything? She might be able to help us?” he asked nervously.
A smile came to Gaunt’s face, but he shook his head with decision.
“I am afraid that curiosity is one of her besetting weaknesses. I have noticed that she has been very anxious to find out what is going on, but I think it would be wiser to allow her curiosity to remain unsatisfied,” he replied.