12. M'GALA THE ACCURST
ONCE upon a time a Secretary of State for the Colonies (as he was then styled) invented a new office, and filled it instantly with a relative of his. This new official was styled Inspector of Native Territories and protectorates. Later the rank was changed to Inspector—General, but the salary remained the same, £1,500 a year and generous allowances.
There had been successive Inspector—Generals, energetic ones, easy—going ones who spent most of their time on leave, but there had never been a really nasty Inspector— General till Major Commeder Banks was appointed. He was a terribly hasty man, who stood six foot three in his stockings, a broad—shouldered, fair—haired, handsome, god—like creature, if one could imagine a god that had run slightly to fat.
Nobody knew ve
