"
The young Duke said nothing, but his eyes shone with quiet
exultation.
"It's so unlike Thistlebery," continued Belturbet; "at least," he
said suspiciously, "it's unlike the REAL Thistlebery--"
"The real Thistlebery is flying about somewhere as a vocally-
industrious lapwing," said the Duke calmly; "I expect great things
of the Angel-Thistlebery," he added.
At this moment there was a magnetic stampede of members towards
the lobby, where the tape-machines were ticking out some news of
more than ordinary import.
"COUP D'?TAT in the North. Thistlebery seizes Edinburgh Castle.
Threatens civil war unless Government expands naval programme."
In the babel which ensued Belturbet lost sight of his young
friend. For the best part of the afternoon he searched one likely
haunt after another, spurred on by the sensational posters which
the evening papers were displaying broadcast over the West End.
"General Baden-Baden mobilizes Boy-Scouts. Another COUP D'?TAT
feared. Is Windsor Castle safe?" This was one of the earlier
posters, and was followed by one of even more sinister purport:
"Will the Test-match have to be postponed?" It was this
disquietening question which brought home the real seriousness of
the situation to the London public, and made people wonder whether
one might not pay too high a price for the advantages of party
government.
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