"
"You will obey my order, this very instant! It is utterly preposterous
to waste six days sending letters backwards and forwards about a
paltry matter that can be settled by word of mouth in as many minutes.
No wonder the troops have died like rotten sheep!"
"I have been five-and-thirty years in this office--" began Mr.
Faulks.
"Oh! don't bother me with your historical reminiscences," said Sir
Humphrey, cutting him short.
"And never, during all that period--" went on Mr. Faulks, manfully.
"--Have you done anything to-day that could be put off till
to-morrow? But now go and see about this at once--do you
understand?--and then come back to me; I have other matters to
arrange. We have news that a fresh expedition will shortly start for
Kertch, and we are requested to send out with all dispatch
considerable supplies of salt rations."
"It will be necessary to refer to the Admiralty: they will require
proper notice."
"You will get the rations within twenty-four hours, notice or no
notice. But we will discuss that by-and-by. Meanwhile, hurry off to
the ordnance branch."
Mr. Faulks went to the door, protesting and muttering to himself.
"Stay! one word more! It is wrong of me, perhaps, to hint that your
zeal requires any stimulus, Mr. Faulks."
"Hardly, I hope.
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