Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/269

 who was the real owner of Selwyn's Bank? Mackeller evidently entertained a bitter enmity against Corbitt, and even if Stranleigh divulged the secret, his guest would very likely stipulate that Corbitt should be discharged, a condition to which Stranleigh could not agree. He resolved, therefore to keep his own counsel.

Next, would he be justified in warning Corbitt of the conspiracy against the institution over which he presided? Such a course would come completely within the circle of modern business ethics, and indeed, the average man in the street would consider him a fool for not using the weapon thus placed into his hand. But could a gentleman use to his own advantage information that had come to him in confidence? Stranleigh instantly decided that he could not. Corbitt must look out for himself. That was why he was so highly paid.

No thought of withdrawing his promise occurred to the young man. His word was pledged, and there an end. At last he looked up at his guest, who had been watching him narrowly, rather scowling as he did so.

"Mackeller, I must confess I don't like this scheme. Will you reconsider your plan, and inaugurate your bank in the ordinary way?"