wingmen,' and so forth. I think after this experience you can safely leave that to any Government in power."
"I could safely accept the personal word of any member of the Cabinet in a simple straightforward matter of millions," replied Reed bluntly. "But the collective assurance of a Government on a matter of national safety and aerial supremacy—oh no, Sir William!"
"We shall not differ on that point, Mr. Reed," said the Premier, taking up a pen to sign the document. "The money will be found."
"Money!" exclaimed Reed broadly. "I don't think that that detail will trouble you, Mr. Muir. No more warships after to-day, you know—nothing more expensive than a submarine."
"I see that you also require certain provision made in the case of your associates."
"Yes; some of them have people, and so on," said Reed carelessly.
"But," continued the Premier, "I fail to see any reference to yourself."
"I, on the other hand, have none."
"But surely, out of everything that a gratefully indebted country can offer in return for so colossal a service, there might be something?"
"That is my whim, Mr. Muir—that there should be nothing."
For the second time during that momentous Council the proceedings were interrupted from without. There was a knock, and close upon it a police-inspector entered.
"I beg your pardon, sir, but there has been a disturbance, and one of your servants has been shot," he explained. "I thought that you might require my attendance."
"Thank you, Inspector Holstan. I shall be glad if you will see that Taylor has the best attention and
