Mr. Lake was one of the four candidates for the position of agent when Sir Budai, Lady Gallorett, and Miss Gladstone sought an agent. During the interview it became clear that he is an agent of middling competence at best.

After he had a dry spell with regards to opportunities for employ, leaving him with manual labour is his only option to support his wife, he has been employed as an oversees agent by Lady Gallorett. His wife, Mrs. Lake, remains in London while he is on temporary assignment in Cairo.