hand along another power's frontier."

"That's true. Our territory adjoins theirs for some distance, but, as
it happens, our respective fields of influence outside the recognized
boundaries have not been very clearly defined. Now there's reason to
believe that part of the unclaimed neutral belt would be valuable to
us, and I needn't point out that the Imperial expansionists have made
their influence felt."

"It's a pity the Government seems able to resist it," Challoner drily
remarked.

Greythorpe smiled, for he and his host took different sides in party
politics, though they often agreed on points that concerned their
country's foreign policy.

"I think they're wise in their moderation, but I've had plain hints
about the desirability of extending our influence in Africa, which is
why we attach some importance to the appointment in question. Its
holder must be a man of tact, able to keep on friendly terms with the
French officials, and yet bold enough to secure us any advantage that
may offer in the unoccupied belt. In fact, though the post is not
highly paid, he must have exceptional talent."

"Men of that kind are hard to pick up."

"Very true. None of the candidates quite satisfies us, but when we
have investigated their qualifications fully I may ask you what you
think. It would be premature just now."

"Always glad to be of service," Challoner replied. "But the men you'll
have to choose among have grown up since my day."

"That is not important. It's largely a question of personal character,
and you're a judge of that when it must be coupled with military skill."

Challoner smiled in a sombre manner. "I used to think so, but I've
come to doubt it. I made a grave mistake about my nephew. However,
there's a matter you were speaking of this morning and a point has
since occurred to me."

Greythorpe said he would be glad to hear it, and they talked over the
subject until they went to bed.

The next afternoon was bright and mild, and soon after Mrs. Foster and
her party arrived Challoner offered to show them his winter shrubbery.

"I have lately planted a number of new specimens which you and Margaret
have not seen," he said. "Your friends may be interested to learn what
effects can be got by a judicious mingling of bushes remarkable for the
beauty of their berries and branch-colouring among the stereotyped
evergreens."

They went out and Mrs. Chudleigh thought the front of the old house
wi