Firm-fixed it stood upon its bedrock of tradition that in matters of fraud, crime should be punished to the full limit of the law.
"The estate of the criminal, high or low," said Mr.Sheratt impressively, "matters not.

The Bank stands upon the principle, and from this it cannot be moved." Mr.Sheratt began to wax eloquent.

"Fidelity to its constituency, its shareholders, its depositors, indeed to the general public, is the corner-stone of its policy.

The Bank of Scotland is a National Institution, with a certain National obligation." Mr.Rae quietly drew from his pocket a pamphlet, opened it slowly, and glanced at the page.

"Ay, it's as I thought, Mr.Sheratt," he said dryly.