Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/270

 "You make that proposal out of sympathy with Selywn?"

"Yes; I acknowledge a great liking and respect for Sir George Selwyn, even if he is old-fashioned, and Alexander Corbitt seems to me an upright, energetic man, whom I should be sorry to see come a cropper."

"Then let him look out for himself," replied Mackeller with determination. "Now, may I ask you a question or two? Do I exceed my rights in founding a bank?"

"Certainly not."

"Is it not a fact that every man with money possesses a bank account?"

"I suppose that is true."

"Consequently, must not all the customers I procure for my bank be drawn from some similar institution?"

"Doubtless that also is a fact."

"Then, as my bank must be recruited from the dissatisfied depositors of other banks, why should Selwyn's alone be exempt?"

"Why, indeed? That question seems unanswerable. Am I to take it, then, that the advent of Mr. Peter Mackeller into the banking business is going to sow consternation among all existing organisations similar to his own?"