"S_Fowler_Wright_First_Move" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wright S Fowler)

It was difficult to see any way which might not ruin himself, which he was unwilling to do.

Chapter 2

It was at an early hour of the following morning that the Chancellor rang up the President. He said: "I have been considering the subject of our conversation yesterday the last one before we parted. The idea seems thoroughly sound; but there is a minor detail which should not be overlooked."

The President thanked him, and suggested that they should meet at once to discuss it.

This they did, and he had an additional reason to appreciate the ability and thoroughness with which his colleague seconded the subtlety of his own mind.

"You remarked yesterday," the Chancellor said, "in reply to my objection that we should have no pretext for the contemplated attack, such as would appear reasonable to our countrymen and other nations, that we could invent what we would, which the Polasian Government would not be alive to deny. It was sound reasoning. But did you not overlook the fact that Baron Linvi might have much to say which would be widely believed, and which would become a weapon to vex our peace?"

"It is a good thought. He must be promptly removed."

"But would there not be cause for suspicion in that? It would be a coincidence of a remarkable kind."

The President could not dispute that. Baron Linvi was Polasia's Ambassador. He had held that office for several years, during which he had done much to increase the popularity of the country he represented, and establish that of his own. They could not doubt that his words would have more credence than their united assertions would ever have. The President asked: Can you tell me a better way?"

"I think I can. Suppose the catastrophe were to occur at a time when Linvi were back in his own country?"

"It is a good idea, but it would involve too great a delay. It is less than two months since he was there, and we know that his habit is to -"

"But if he should go at once, by his own desire?"

"If you know how that could be arranged. . . ."

It might be no trouble at all. Suppose that we should propose conditions on which we would rectify the north-eastern frontier of their African territory as they have always desired? Could we not suggest such as he would wish to consult his Government upon orally or on which they would summon him for that purpose?"

"It is a clever thought. You are a good comrade to have, as I have had occasion to say before. But it is not an idea which must get abroad. You had better see him yourself, and stress the secrecy with which negotiations must be conducted till agreement will have been finally reached. . . . When he is there, we cannot be too speedy in what we do.

The Chancellor went away in a well satisfied mood. He knew the subtlety of the President's mind, and that to outwit him was as dangerous to attempt as it was difficult to achieve. But he thought he had done it now. To have such a private interview with Baron Linvi, without the President's knowledge, at such a moment would have been almost certainly futile in its attempt at concealment, and dangerous in its implications. To have informed him of such an intention without a fully satisfactory reason would have been almost equally likely to arouse suspicion. But he would not be able to do it with the President's knowledge, and with the approval of the particular privacy he desired. He had gained much for he had decided that it was an interview which it was essential to have.

Chapter 3

The room where the Chancellor waited was large and lofty. It had windows, high, wide and richly curtained, at either end. At one, they looked down on the quiet dignity of the tree-lined street; at the other, upon the spacious garden at the rear of the embassy.

The Chancellor was looking down from the rear window as Baron Linvi entered the room. He was slow to move, though his words of polite greeting were not delayed, so that he had only half turned as they shook hands.

Then his eyes went back to the window. He said: "You have a beautiful garden."

Baron Linvi answered: "Yes. It is very pleasant." His voice was casual. They looked down on a lawn that was wide and green. But he did not suppose his visitor had called to approve of the view.

"Yes. It is often admired."

"There is a peculiar privacy about a garden. . . . Especially for those who do not mind being seen, but who do not wish to be overhead."

The Baron looked at his visitor more alertly. He said: "We should not be over-heard here,

"No," the Chancellor answered, "I suppose not." But he continued to gaze at the garden.