He paused expressively, and there was an expression of inquiry on his face. Gaunt knew not what to say, for how could he give his real motive—the vow? And that was not the sole reason, for now he was animated by a keen desire to defeat those who were attacking him so spitefully. His love of fighting had been raised to fever-heat, and yet he could not explain those mingled feelings to the foreign secretary.
“I do not fear this police court business, sir. But I thank you for your kindness. Will you answer me one question frankly?”
“Yes,” Sir Keith answered with a friendly smile, for he felt greatly drawn to this man and would gladly have helped him in any way that was possible.
“However great becomes this agitation for reform in the Congo, however great pressure is brought to bear upon you as foreign secretary, shall you stick to what you have just told me, namely, that you will go no further than making representations to the Belgian government?” Gaunt asked earnestly.
“That is as far as I intend to go, unless there is a very material alteration in the international position in Europe.”
“Which isn’t likely!”
“Which is very improbable. And now I hope that you will give me the assurance for which I have asked.”
“I regret that it is impossible, but believe me, Sir Keith, that I shall always be grateful to you for the consideration you have shown me to-day. If, in the future, I am fated to act contrary to your wishes and in a way that you will condemn, I ask you to think of me as leniently as possible,” Gaunt said, and his voice shook a little.
“I don’t know at what you are hinting, Mr. Gaunt; but when this Congo agitation is forgotten I can only say that I should like to know you. It seems to me that we have many interests in common. May I look round your shelves? I still have an hour to spare,” Sir Keith said genially.
And Gaunt proceeded to point out his treasures, and the talk became animated, as they discussed the beauties of some of the rare volumes. The Shakespeare folios came in for great attention, and Sir Keith was frankly envious.