Interlude	87
	I was an idealist then, before I had lived amongst men of affairs in many countries and had seen many degrees of corruption. Nowadays I expect less of my fellows. But when I remember now that any form of injustice or un­fairness or crooked dealing roused me to indignation and revolt in the days of my young manhood, I still take a secret pride in the lad that was. So finally away I went, out of the nest, slung out of Vienna by a force of emotions not altogether within my own comprehension. I suppose I should have gone any­way, but the motive-power was provided by the Case of the Nun's Ruby, of which more in the next chapter.