Nevins considered before answering. There must be no mistake about this matter.
“Not this week, sir.”
“Well, have you heard any talk of a British India Society meeting?”
“I beg your pardon, sir?”
“India Society,” the Colonial Secretary explained, “or anything at all about India. I understand there have been meetings in the provinces—talk about starving India—Indian independence—some sort of agitation.”
“We’ve had nothing of that kind in these parts.” Nevins spoke with a touch of disapproval.
The Colonial Secretary picked up his paper. He frowned at it a moment.
“I was wondering if there were any connection. Any connection at all. Might well be, you know.”
“I don’t understand, sir.”
“There’s something here about a runaway slave from America speaking in town tonight—at one of those workers’ halls. They’re springing up all over England.” He added the last thoughtfully.