The Experiment of Mr. Buck
"They are indeed at an end. I am sorry I cannot sell you the property."
"What?" cried Mr. Barker, starting to his feet.
"Mr. Buck has spoken correctly," said the King.
"I have, I have," cried Buck, springing up also; "I said—"
"Mr. Buck has spoken correctly," said the King; "the negotiations are at an end."
All the men at the table rose to their feet; Wayne alone rose without excitement.
"Have I, then," he said, "your Majesty's permission to depart? I have given my last answer."
"You have it," said Auberon, smiling, but not lifting his eyes from the table. And amid a dead silence the Provost of Notting Hill passed out of the room.
"Well?" said Wilson, turning round to Barker, "Well?"
Barker shook his head desperately.
"The man ought to be in an asylum," he said. "But one thing is clear, we need not bother further about him. The man can be treated as mad."
"Of course," said Buck, turning to him with sombre decisiveness. "You're perfectly right,
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