Sir Andrew ran his strong fingers through his snowy hair. A whimsical smile began to possess his eyes.
"You have left me more convinced than I had thought possible."
"Of the danger?"
"No—of the man."
"I am glad."
"In England, as elsewhere, humanity is generally helped at our neighbor's expense."
A flash of disapproval leapt into the younger man's eyes.
"If I did not know better, Dad, I should take you for——"
"A cynic," broke in his father. Then he went on explosively. "Believe me, boy, I am a cynic where our country's splendid character, as depicted in song and verse, and the ha'penny press, is concerned. On the subject of our national characteristics the late war was enough to break the heart of the veriest optimist. As far as I can see only two things stood the test of that fire. The fighting power of our people and our naval record. For the rest, for the men whose duty it was to supply the moral support, well——"
He broke off and leant across the desk and picked up the telephone receiver.