But already it was too late to withdraw his share from the concern; that would have been merely to take advantage of Sherwood's generosity, and Will was himself not less chivalrous.

In Godfrey's phrase, they continued "to fight the ship," and perhaps would have held out to the moment of sinking, had not the accession of the Liberals to power in the spring of this present year caused Sherwood so deep a disgust that he turned despondent and began to talk of surrender to hopeless circumstance.
"It's all up with us, Will.

This Government spells ruin, and will count it one of its chief glories if we come to grief.

But, by Heaven, they shan't have that joy.

We'll square up, quietly, comfortably, with dignity.