Watters realised that there was an ornate mirror on the wall to his left. He had only to shift sideways to obtain a view of Dumas and Caskie.
Mr Dumas stirred uncomfortably in his seat but still managed to blow a perfect smoke ring that shivered in the air before dissipating. "You may be correct, Mr Caskie. I"ll grant that the blockade of the Southern ports is tighter now than hitherto."
"Indeed. However, Mr Bulloch, who I know intimately, has been working hard to rectify the deficiency. He has ordered vessels built in both France and with John Laird on the Mersey. Correct?" When Caskie raised his glass to signify that he required a refill, a flunkey hastened to his side. At that moment, Caskie looked every inch the businessman.
Dumas appeared even more uncomfortable than he had a minut
