Mr. Moffat, a thin, pale youth with a large nose and a naturally startled expression, answered as in a trance, his mouth open, his strained eyes fixed upon William.
“Er—very important.”
“Very—we can’t over-emphasise it,” said William’s uncle.
Mr. Moffat put up a trembling hand as if to loosen his collar. He wondered if the others saw it too.
“Over-emphasise it,” he repeated, in a trembling voice.
Then he met William’s stony stare and looked away hastily, drawing his handkerchief across his brow.
“I think we can safely say,” said William’s uncle, “that if the Government we desire is returned the average loaf will be three-halfpence cheaper.”
He looked round at his helpers. Not one was taking notes. Not one was making a suggestion. All were staring blankly at the wall behind him.
Extraordinary what stupid fellows seemed to take up this work—that chap with the large nose looked nothing more or less than tipsy!
“Here are some pamphlets that we should take round with us....”