They felt that there must be much behind.
Sir Robert, however, recovered instantly.
"Very well," he said; "it is not for us to dictate to you; you must make your own bed and lie on it.

To argue or remonstrate would only be rude." He put out his hand and pushed the button of an electric bell, adding as he did so, "Of course we understand one thing, Vernon, namely, that as a gentleman and a man of honour you will make no public use of the information which you have acquired during your stay in this office, either to our detriment, personal or financial, or to your own advantage." "Certainly you may understand that," replied Vernon.

"Unless my character is attacked and it becomes necessary for me to defend myself, my lips are sealed." "That will never happen--why should it ?" said Sir Robert with a polite bow.
The door opened and the head clerk, Jeffreys, appeared.
"Mr.Jeffreys," said Sir Robert, "please find us the deed of partnership between Major Vernon and ourselves, and bring it here.

One moment.
Please make out also a transfer of Major Vernon's parcel of Sahara Syndicate shares to Mr.Champers-Haswell and myself at par value, and fill in a cheque for the amount.

Please remove also Major Vernon's name wherever it appears in the proof prospectus, and--yes--one thing more.
Telephone to Specton--the Right Honourable the Earl of Specton, I mean, and say that after all I have been able to arrange that he shall have a seat on the Board and a block of shares at a very moderate figure, and that if he will wire his assent, his name shall be put into the prospectus.