“Good. This being the state of affairs, it is essential that the Congo question should be kept out of sight as much as possible. Your brother-in-law evidently does not understand this, for he is responsible for an agitation which is rapidly becoming a nuisance. I think you will now understand what I want. Gaunt must be silenced, and it struck me that you, being a relative, were the most desirable person to bring this about.”
“I don’t know that I have any influence with Mr. Gaunt. True, he is my brother-in-law, but we have seen very little of one another,” the Earl said doubtfully.
“Then you must cultivate his acquaintance. Probably you have some influence with your sister. You may be able to reach Gaunt through her. I want you to appreciate that the matter is very serious, and that you must leave no stone unturned to make him keep his mouth shut. If once the British public gets the bit between its teeth, there is no holding it, and we shall be forced to intervene.”
“I see the danger, and I will do my best, sir.”
“Good. If he is obstinate, send him to see me at once. Let me know how you get on as I am rather anxious. You need not hurry to get back to your post.”
And the secretary gave him a curt nod of dismissal.
Lord Lynton did not at all like the task that had been given to him, but there was no alternative save to obey, so he ordered his baggage to be put on a taxi-cab, and as he was about to step in, a newsboy thrust a paper into his hands.
“Evenin’ Comet, sir? All the news.”
Lord Lynton gave the boy a copper, and during the drive casually glanced at the paper, but suddenly an exclamation escaped him, and he proceeded to read a half column with the deepest attention.
“I think that it was about time I came home,” he muttered savagely. And when he entered Gaunt’s house there was a grim look on his face.