“Gentlemen,” continued Hinks, “I am in no doubt that we have identified the one man who embodies all these characteristics, namely General Charles Granville Bruce, late of the Fifth Royal Gurkha Rifles. The committee may be interested to know that the General is the youngest son of Lord Aberdare, and was educated at Harrow and Sandhurst.”
Raeburn and Ashcroft immediately responded again with “Hear, hear.”
“I have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending to the committee that we appoint General Bruce as campaign leader, and invite him to join us as a member.”
“That all sounds very satisfactory,” said Younghusband. “Can I assume that the committee is in agreement, and that Bruce is the obvious man for the job?” He glanced around the table, to find that all but one of the committee members were nodding.
“Mr. Chairman,” said Young, “this decision as to who should lead the expedition has been taken by the RGS, and rightly so. However, as I was not privy to the selection process, I am curious to know if any other candidate was considered for the post.”
“Perhaps you would care to answer that query, Mr. Hinks,” s
aid Younghusband.
“Of course, Mr. Chairman,” responded Hinks, placing a pair of half-moon spectacles on the end of his nose. “Several names were put forward for our consideration, but frankly, Young, it quickly became clear that General Bruce was head and shoulders above the rest.”
“I hope that answers your question, Young,” said Sir Francis.
“I hope so too, Mr. Chairman,” said Young.
“Then perhaps the time has come to invite the General to join us,” said Sir Francis.
Hinks coughed.
“Yes, Mr. Hinks?” said Sir Francis. “Have I forgotten something?”
“No, Mr. Chairman,” said Hinks, peering over the top of his spectacles. “But perhaps we should put the matter to a vote before General Bruce is elected as a member of the committee?”
“Yes, of course,” said Sir Francis. “I propose that General Bruce be appointed as leader of the expedition, and be co-opted onto this committee. Will someone please second that motion?” Hinks immediately raised his hand.
“Those in favor?” said Sir Francis.
Four hands shot up.
“Those against?”
No hands were raised.
“Are there any abstentions?”
Young raised his hand.
“Before you make a note in the minutes, Mr. Hinks,” said Younghusband, “don’t you think, Young, that it would be helpful if we were to give General Bruce our unanimous support?”
“In normal circumstances I would agree with you, Mr. Chairman,” said Young. Sir Francis smiled. “However, I feel it would be irresponsible of me to vote for a man I’ve never met, however well qualified he appears to be.”
“So be it,” said Sir Francis. “I declare the motion carried by four votes to none, with one abstention.”
“Shall I ask General Bruce to join us?” said Hinks.
“Yes, please do,” replied Sir Francis.
Hinks rose from his place and a porter immediately jumped up, opened the door at the far end of the room, and stood aside to allow him to enter an ante-room where three men were seated, waiting to be called before the committee.
“General Bruce, if you would be kind enough to join us?” said Hinks, without giving the other two men so much as a glance.
“Thank you, Hinks,” said the General, heaving himself up from his chair and following the secretary slowly back into the committee room.
“Welcome, General Bruce,” said Sir Francis. “Do come and join us,” he added, ushering Bruce toward an empty chair.