If Joseph had hoped that his words would calm Mordred, or else deflect his interest, he was sorely mistaken. The confirmation that the journalist was about to becoming involved with some deeply mysterious, probably dangerous and completely secret scandal filled Mordred's veins with a rush of excitement, and he had momentarily difficulty lighting his cigarette, offering then his box of matches out to Joseph. "Mixed company?" He retorted, glancing about. "Surely a word or two will not jeopardise you?" He said, "And it is hardly fair to tease your readership so."