`` nothing at all to do with the rebellion , '' hammond said , and then qualified himself , `` at least , perhaps-i do not wish to be accused of deceiving you , sir ; it may have been considered as an adjunct to the main thrust of our deliberations , that your reinstatement should perhaps give my discussions with mr. macarthur a certain-a degree of-let us say , potency- '' `` yes , '' laurence said , dryly .