Blithers.
Was this one of the richest men in the world--this fellow sitting
here with his hands folded tightly across his waistcoat? He was
forced to admit that it was and at the same time it wasn't.
The attendant returned and he was ushered into a second chamber, at
the opposite end of which was a large, imposing door--closed. Beside
this door stood a slim, erect figure in the red, blue and gold
uniform of an officer of the Castle guard. As Mr. Blithers approached
this rigid figure, he recognised a friend and a warm glow pervaded
his heart. There could be no mistaking the smart moustache and
supercilious eye-brows. It was Lieutenant Dank.
"How do you do?" said Mr. Blithers. "Glad to see you again." His
voice sounded unnatural. He extended his hand.
Dank gave him a ceremonious salute, bowed slightly but without a
smile, and then threw open the door.
"Mr. Blithers, my lords," he announced, and stood aside to let the
stranger in a strange land pass within.
A number of men were seated about a long table in the centre of this
imposing chamber.
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