 valuable possessions
on the map of the world, had occasion for the services of one or two engineers,
quick in invention and determined in execution: practical men, who could make
the men and means their ingenuity perceived to be wanted, out of the best
materials they could find at hand; and who were as bold and fertile in the
adaptation of such materials to their purpose, as in the conception of their
purpose itself. This Power, being a barbaric one, had no idea of stowing away a
great national object in a Circumlocution Office, as strong wine is hidden from
the light in a cellar, until its fire and youth are gone, and the labourers who
worked in the vineyard and pressed the grapes are dust. With characteristic
ignorance, it acted on the most decided and energetic notions of How to do it;
and never showed the least respect for, or gave any quarter to, the great
political science How not to do it. Indeed it had a barbarous way of striking
the latter art and mystery dead, in the person of any enlightened subject who
practised it.
    Accordingly, the men who were wanted, were sought out and found; which was
in itself a most uncivilised and irregular way of proceeding. Being found, they
were treated with great confidence and honour (which again showed dense
political ignorance), and were invited to come at once and do what they had to
do. In short, they were regarded as men who meant to do it, engaging with other
men who meant it to be done.
    Daniel Doyce was one of the chosen. There was no foreseeing at that time
whether he would be absent months, or years. The preparations for his departure,
and the conscientious arrangement for him of all the details and results of
their joint business, had necessitated labour within a short compass of time,
which had occupied Clennam day and night. He had slipped across the water in his
first leisure, and had slipped as quickly back again for his farewell interview
with Doyce.
    Him Arthur now showed, with pains and care, the state of their gains and
losses, responsibilities and prospects. Daniel went through it all in his
patient manner, and admired it all exceedingly. He audited the accounts, as if
they were a far more ingenious piece of mechanism than he had ever constructed,
and afterwards stood looking at them, weighing his hat over his head by the
brims, as if he were absorbed in the contemplation of some wonderful engine.
    »It's all beautiful, Clennam, in its regularity and order. Nothing can be
plainer. Nothing can be
