“Quite so,” Sir Keith rejoined drily; “and now may I know what I can do for you?”
“Close the mouth of this man, Gaunt.”
“That is not an easy matter. England is a free country, and prides itself upon its freedom of speech. So far Gaunt has not given us any grounds for interference.”
“But the agitation is increasing by leaps and bounds. The situation may become dangerous.”
“You are afraid that His Majesty’s government may be forced by the clamor to intervene in the Congo. Put an end to the abuses and you will have no cause for anxiety. I regret that I cannot help you, Baron.”
Sir Keith rose to terminate the interview, but de Croiseuil made no sign of going.
“A word from you to Gaunt would make him stop,” he said doggedly.
“This is not Belgium. An official, however high he may be, is not such an exalted person as in your country. Good-morning, Baron,” Sir Keith said decidedly.
“I shall esteem it a favor if you will glance through these papers. I see that you are a busy man, and I will call again for your opinion. I have the honor of wishing good-day to your Excellency.”
And the Baron, having placed a large envelope on the table, bowed himself from the room. The foreign secretary took out the papers, and it was evident that his interest was aroused from the outset, for he read on till he had thoroughly mastered each document. This done he left the office and walked rapidly to his club, where he ate a frugal lunch, and afterwards went to the smoking-room.