We have made inquiries about you; we believe
you to be a good sort of fellow, and we are not going to prosecute
you. We do hope, however, that, should you hear anything which is--
well--really treasonable, you will let us know. Treason, I am sure,
is as dreadful to you as it is to me. The Government, as I said
before, are most desirous of helping those who really deserve it; and
to prove this, as I understand you are out of work, just accept that
little trifle."
The guineas were handed to Mr. Secretary, who looked at them
doubtfully. With the beer his conscience had returned, and he broke
out:
"If you want me to be a d---d spy, d---d if I do!" The Commissioner
was not in the least disconcerted. "Spy, my man!--who mentioned the
word? The money was offered because you haven't got a sixpence.
Haven't I told you you are not required to give up a single
principle? Have I asked you to denounce a single companion? All I
have requested you to do, as an honest citizen, is to give me a hint
if you hear of anything which would be as perilous to you as to me."
The Secretary after his brief explosion felt flaccid. He was subject
to violent oscillations, and he looked at the five guineas again.
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