For the first time, Bill gave his attention to what Bundle was saying.

“He was full of a long rigmarole he wanted me to stuff Codders with. About wanting to stand in the Conservative interest. But you know, Bundle, it’s too damned risky.”

“Stuff,” said Bundle. “If George does find him out, he won’t blame you. You’ll just have been taken in, that’s all.”

“That’s not it at all,” said Bill. “I mean it’s too damned risky for Jimmy. Before he knows where he is, he’ll be parked down somewhere like Tooting West, pledged to kiss babies and make speeches. You don’t know how thorough Codders is and how frightfully energetic.”

“Well, we’ll have to risk that,” said Bundle. “Jimmy can take care of himself all right.”

“You don’t know Codders,” repeated Bill.