Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/296

 "You see, Peter," continued Stranleigh, taking no notice of Mackeller's evident emotion, "things have got in rather a tangle with the Surrey and Southern Counties. You can't pay six-and-a-half to depositors. You're losing money every day, and the course is so shaped that the more customers you get the greater is your loss. Now, you and I will place the straightening out of that on the broad shoulders of this callous man, Corbitt. We shall have nothing to do but play. Meanwhile, to the business world, you score a great triumph, for it will appear that your new and energetic bank has swallowed the old-fogey concern, otherwise you never would be nominated president. Do you accept, Peter?"

"Yes, and thank you, Stranleigh," came from between Peter's hands.

"Now, gentlemen, see how easy it is so long as you act on the principle of never shoving a man against the wall, even if you have the power."

Corbitt laughed.

"Don't be a humbug, Stranleigh," he said. "You've shoved us both against the wall."

Stranleigh laughed in turn.

"We all pose a bit, but one thing there's no humbug about. It is evident that three of these delicious peaches are left in the dish. Let's have one each."