Chapter III: Part 3

_The scene is a spacious sitting-room in the Palace Hotel at
Middlepool. It is sumptuously furnished with the lack of taste
peculiar to such apartments. Everything is large and rich and
rather stiff. It is obvious that the decorations have been carried
out on contract by a first-rate firm. They are calculated to give
the business man who engages the room the impression that he is
getting his money’s worth._

_On the left is a large French window, opening to the floor and
looking on the square in front of the hotel. At the back is a door
leading into_ GEORGE WINTER’S _bedroom. On the right are two doors;
one leads into the passage, and the other is that of_ CATHERINE’S
_room_. _There is a telephone on the table._

_It is some weeks later, between ten and eleven on the morning of
the election._

LORD FRANCIS ETCHINGHAM, FRED BENNETT, JAMES FORD, COLONEL BOYCE,
_and_ MR. SWALECLIFFE. MR. SWALECLIFFE _is standing at the window_.

_When the curtain rises there is an excited buzz of conversation._
BOYCE _is at the telephone_.

BOYCE.

[_Speaking into the receiver._] Yes, Colonel Boyce. Be sure you don’t make a mistake.

SWALECLIFFE.

I can’t imagine what’s become of him. One would have thought....

ETCHINGHAM.

[_To_ COLONEL BOYCE.] If he’s not there, you’d better try somewhere else.

JAMES FORD.

[_Shouting._] For goodness’ sake let me hear myself speak.

[_These speeches are said simultaneously, and immediately
afterwards is heard the dull roar of a train passing through the
station, and a long, shrill whistle._ ETCHINGHAM _starts
nervously_.

ETCHINGHAM.

Oh, confound those trains.

JAMES FORD.

[_Impatiently._] I should have thought you’d got used to them by now.

ETCHINGHAM.

Good Lord, I’ve not slept for a week. They go on all night.

BENNETT.

They worried me a bit last night. And when I did get to sleep I heard them whistling away through my dreams.

BOYCE.

They don’t seem to trouble Winter.

ETCHINGHAM.

If they did I suppose he wouldn’t come to this hotel.

JAMES FORD.

[_Nodding in the direction of_ GEORGE WINTER’S _room_.] He sleeps next door, doesn’t he?

BOYCE.

He told me he slept like a top last night.

BENNETT.

[_Simultaneously._] He looked as fresh as paint this morning.

ETCHINGHAM.

And his room’s practically on the line.

JAMES FORD.

Oh, nonsense.

ETCHINGHAM.

Yes, it is. You just walk down a flight of steps into the garden, and there you are within twenty feet of the line.

JAMES FORD.

Worst place in Middlepool for a hotel. I told them so when they came to me about it. Wanted me to put money in it. Not me.

SWALECLIFFE.

[_Breaking in before_ JAMES FORD _has finished_.] Surely Mr. Winter ought to be here by now.

JAMES FORD.

You won’t make him come any quicker by looking out of the window.

BOYCE.

Every moment’s valuable. Something ought to be done at once.

ETCHINGHAM.

[_Interrupting._] Don’t you know where he is, Colonel?

BOYCE.

He was booked to speak to the men at Parker and Gibbons at 10.30. But you know what he is. Half a dozen places at once. He’s about the most difficult person to catch I know.

SWALECLIFFE.

Have you sent down to Parker and Gibbons?

BOYCE.

Yes, of course I have; I’ve sent a dozen fellows after him to tell him to come to the hotel at once.

BENNETT.

[_Talking through._] You’ve been careful? You’ve not ...?

BOYCE.

You don’t think I’m a beginner at this game, do you?

BENNETT.

Well, I didn’t know how you’d made him understand what had happened.

JAMES FORD.

He’s not made him understand. When Winter’s told he’s expected at the Palace at once he’ll guess something’s in the wind.

SWALECLIFFE.

You’re sure he won’t go to the Committee Rooms?

BOYCE.

If he does he’ll be sent on. I thought it would cause a lot of gossip if we had a meeting there. That’s why I suggested the hotel.

ETCHINGHAM.

[_Interrupting._] I wish to goodness you wouldn’t look so depressed, Mr. Swalecliffe.

SWALECLIFFE.

You’re a business man, Mr. Ford. D’you think there’s any truth in this article?

JAMES FORD.

You’d better ask Lord Francis. He’s chairman of the new company; I’m only an investor.

BENNETT.

Of course there’s nothing in it. The whole thing’s a malicious libel.

JAMES FORD.

Well, we’ll hear what Winter’s got to say about it.

ETCHINGHAM.

[_Simultaneously._] My Lord, I wish he’d come.

BENNETT.

[_To_ JAMES FORD.] You don’t mean to say you think there’s anything in it?

JAMES FORD.

I’ve applied for ten thousand shares. You don’t suppose I like it when an article comes out in a financial paper on the day of issue that the mine’s practically worked out, and Winter’s expert has reported that the ore’s not worth the cost of crushing.

BOYCE.

Everybody who’s got a penny to spare in Middlepool has applied for shares.

JAMES FORD.

George Winter told me it was the biggest thing he’d ever had.

BENNETT.

He’s never let you down before. Why should he let you down now?

JAMES FORD.

I don’t say he’s let me down. But he told me to put my shirt on it, and ... I don’t want ten thousand worthless shares.

BOYCE.

The damnable thing is that it should happen on the day of the election.

ETCHINGHAM.

It would be monstrous if people didn’t vote for him because of an article in a London newspaper.

BOYCE.

You know what people are. They lose their heads. The seat has always been won and lost on the wobblers.

JAMES FORD.

Oh, the first thing is to win the seat.

SWALECLIFFE.

Well, we shan’t do that unless Mr. Winter comes at once and we make up our minds what to do.

ETCHINGHAM.

Ring up the Committee Rooms, Boyce, and ask if anything’s been heard of him.

BOYCE.

All right. I’ll do that.

SWALECLIFFE.

I was never so taken aback as when Boyce showed me the telephone message from London.

ETCHINGHAM.

When do the London papers get here, Mr. Ford?

JAMES FORD.

They ought to be here by half-past ten.

BOYCE.

[_Speaking into the receiver._] Put me on 78, will you?

ETCHINGHAM.

[_Simultaneously._] Why the devil don’t they bring them in?

BENNETT.

Don’t worry. I’ve told a waiter to bring them as soon as they arrive.

BOYCE.

[_At the telephone._] I say, is that you, Masters? Has Mr. Winter been there? Well, send Rogers. Here. No, here, confound you! The Palace. [_Putting down the receiver._] No, nothing’s been seen of him since early this morning.

ETCHINGHAM.

I wonder what the other side are going to do when they hear this.

JAMES FORD.

Oh, don’t you be afraid. They heard about the attack as soon as ever we did.

BENNETT.

You ought to have held the line and prevented them from getting on to London.

BOYCE.

Good God, one can’t think of everything at once.

ETCHINGHAM.

It seems to me the whole thing has been about as disgracefully mismanaged as it could be.

BOYCE.

If you’d ever tried to run an election you’d know it wasn’t so easy as all that.

ETCHINGHAM.

I’m not an election agent. It’s not my business.

JAMES FORD.

Come, come, gentlemen, it’s no good quarrelling about it.

[_These three speeches are spoken at once._

SWALECLIFFE.

How is the polling going on?

BOYCE.

Oh, I think we shall have the heaviest poll we’ve ever had.

JAMES FORD.

Of course there’ll be some slackening off just now. A lot of working men voted when the polling stations opened.

BOYCE.

There’ll be twice as many at the dinner-hour.

SWALECLIFFE.

You don’t know what the Tories are doing, Colonel?

BOYCE.

I should think I did know. They’re going to set up the article as soon as it comes in.

ETCHINGHAM.

The whole article?

BOYCE.

The whole confounded thing.

JAMES FORD.

And placard the streets with it. They’ve made arrangements to print off a thousand, and they’ve got their bill stickers all ready and waiting.

ETCHINGHAM.

It’s infamous.

JAMES FORD.

Nonsense! It’s business. We’d have done the same if we’d had the luck to get such a stick as this to beat Morrison with the very morning of the election.

SWALECLIFFE.

The comfort is, they don’t know Morrison and they do know Winter.

JAMES FORD.

That’s the danger, too. They may know him too well.

ETCHINGHAM.

I don’t know what the devil you mean by that. You seem to forget that you’re speaking of my son-in-law.

JAMES FORD.

Oh, we’re not here to pay one another compliments.

BENNETT.

If you’ll wait a minute or two he’ll be here himself and you can say to him anything you want to.

BOYCE.

What I can’t make out is why he chose this particular day to bring out his company.

BENNETT.

He didn’t think the election would take place just yet.

JAMES FORD.

Every one’s been talking of a general election for the last two months.

BENNETT.

You know it was sprung upon us at the end.

SWALECLIFFE.

Couldn’t he have kept the issue back?

ETCHINGHAM.

He’d got everything fixed up by then.

JAMES FORD.

[_Speaking through._] Of course he could. It was only his obstinacy. I told him it was a bad time to give an American issue to the public.

ETCHINGHAM.

Well, you weren’t obliged to apply for shares, were you?

JAMES FORD.

Tell me something I don’t know next, will you?

ETCHINGHAM.

I can tell you there’s no harm in keeping a civil tongue in your head.

JAMES FORD.

Thank you, I don’t want lessons in manners from you.

BENNETT.

You won’t do yourselves much good by losing your tempers.

SWALECLIFFE.

Why doesn’t Mr. Winter come?

BOYCE.

I dare say he’s sent his car to take some one to the poll and he’s had to walk.

ETCHINGHAM.

It seems to me that you’ve bungled everything you could.

BOYCE.

I don’t know why the devil you should blame me.

[_A waiter comes in with newspapers on a tray._

BENNETT.

Here they are at last.

[_They crowd round the waiter and take the papers from him. The
waiter goes out._

ETCHINGHAM.

Thank God, now we shall know the worst.

BOYCE.

_The Financial News._

JAMES FORD.

No, that’s got nothing.

BENNETT.

Here it is. _The Financial Standard._

JAMES FORD.

Give it me.

[_He takes the paper from_ BENNETT _and opens it_. ETCHINGHAM
_watches him anxiously_.

SWALECLIFFE.

I wish to goodness I’d never thought of stocks and shares. I knew it was wrong. Oh, what a punishment!

JAMES FORD.

[_Impatiently._] We can’t all read the paper at once.

BENNETT.

Spread it out on the table. That’s the best way.

[BENNETT _and_ FORD _rapidly run their eyes down the article_.

BENNETT.

Steep, isn’t it?

JAMES FORD.

If the Tories print this it’ll about bust us.

ETCHINGHAM.

The whole thing’s a pack of lies. It’s scandalous that such methods should be used to influence an election.

JAMES FORD.

[_To_ SWALECLIFFE.] D’you want to read it?

SWALECLIFFE.

What does it say?

BENNETT.

Merely what they phoned down from London.

JAMES FORD.

But it puts it about as hot as I’ve ever seen a financial article.

ETCHINGHAM.

D’you think it’ll interfere with the issue?

JAMES FORD.

It’ll bust it.

ETCHINGHAM.

Can’t something be done to find Winter?

BOYCE.

All we can do is to wait.

ETCHINGHAM.

Hang it all, we can’t go on waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Isn’t there one of you who can do something?

JAMES FORD.

Keep your head, man, that’s about the best thing you can do.

[EDWARD O’DONNELL _hurries in_.

O’DONNELL.

It’s all right. I’ve got him.

ETCHINGHAM.

Thank God.

O’DONNELL.

I told him to hurry up. He was just going to speak to some fellows in a factory.

SWALECLIFFE.

He’s coming?

O’DONNELL.

Yes, rather. He said he’d be here in a jiffy.

JAMES FORD.

Did he want to know what it was about?

O’DONNELL.

There was no time for him to ask. And he was talking to a whole crowd when I found him.

SWALECLIFFE.

He knows it’s important?

BENNETT.

Don’t be afraid about that. If he says he’ll come at once, he’ll come.

BOYCE.

Here he is.

ETCHINGHAM.

[_At the same time._] At last.

[GEORGE WINTER _comes in and surveys them for a moment. He smiles
sardonically._

GEORGE WINTER.

Quite a party.

ETCHINGHAM.

We thought you were never coming.

GEORGE WINTER.

What’s the trouble?

JAMES FORD.

[_Pointing to the paper._] That’s the trouble.

BENNETT.

_The Financial Standard_ has got an attack on the Campo del Oro.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Calmly._] Is that all?

JAMES FORD.

It’s a good deal.

GEORGE WINTER.

The Lewishams have got _The Financial Standard_ in their pockets.

JAMES FORD.

You read it.

SWALECLIFFE.

They say there’s no gold in the mine.

GEORGE WINTER.

What do they know about it? They’ve not been there and my expert has.

JAMES FORD.

That’s just it. They say you’re floating it on the report the owners gave you when you bought it, and you’re holding back Macdonald’s.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Looking over the article._] It’s extraordinary what a lot the papers know. [_The telephone rings._] What is it? [_He listens for a moment._] London call. You’d better go and speak to them, Fred. [_Down the receiver._] No, don’t connect with me. Mr. Bennett will come along. [BENNETT _goes out_.] It’s one of my brokers. Now let’s go on. As abuse I don’t really think very much of it. I could have said much unpleasanter things about myself.

SWALECLIFFE.

You seem to take it very calmly.

GEORGE WINTER.

I’ve not been fighting the Lewishams for ten years without getting some pretty hard words broken on my back.

JAMES FORD.

D’you see that bit about where the money came from?

ETCHINGHAM.

I didn’t see that.

GEORGE WINTER.

I’ll read it you, shall I? [_Reading._] “It is stated that Mr. Winter paid eighty thousand pounds for this precious mine. It would perhaps be interesting to inquire how he was able to raise such a sum at a time not only of general stringency, but of peculiar difficulty in the Central American market. Perhaps Mr. Winter, like King Midas, is able to turn into gold everything he touches and he may have been able to change his office furniture into precious metal. Perhaps not.” Childish, isn’t it? Do they think I’m going to let out my little trade secrets to please them?

JAMES FORD.

But where did you get the money?

[ETCHINGHAM _gives a slight start, but_ GEORGE WINTER _remains
perfectly cool_.

GEORGE WINTER.

My dear fellow, you don’t suppose I stole it, do you? That’s where the born financier comes in. He makes money as a conjurer makes a white rabbit appear out of a silk handkerchief.

JAMES FORD.

[_Drily._] A very satisfactory explanation.

[_For an instant, hardly perceptible to the others, the eyes of_
GEORGE WINTER _and_ JAMES FORD _meet_.

GEORGE WINTER.

But that’s hardly the point, is it?

[_During the rest of the scene_ JAMES FORD _is thinking the matter
over. His eyes rest on_ GEORGE WINTER _as if he were trying to
guess something_.

BOYCE.

Something must be done at once.

GEORGE WINTER.

Have the Tories got hold of it?

BOYCE.

They’re printing the article on posters.

GEORGE WINTER.

Nuisance, isn’t it?

[_He pauses to reflect for a moment._ MR. SWALECLIFFE _breaks in
upon his thoughts_.

SWALECLIFFE.

Is there any truth at all in that article, Mr. Winter?

GEORGE WINTER.

Not a word.

SWALECLIFFE.

It puts me in a very awkward position.

GEORGE WINTER.

What’s the matter with you?

SWALECLIFFE.

I thought the shares would go to a premium before they were issued.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Smiling._] Like the San José tramways, eh?

SWALECLIFFE.

Mr. Ford says this will--bust the issue.

GEORGE WINTER.

Nice of him.... Been having a little gamble, have you?

SWALECLIFFE.

If it was a certainty I didn’t see there could be any harm in it.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With a chuckle._] Like playing with loaded dice? How many shares have you applied for?

SWALECLIFFE.

Five hundred.

GEORGE WINTER.

Sporting of you.

SWALECLIFFE.

I didn’t mean to take them up, you understand. I haven’t got more than five hundred pounds in the world. I thought they were bound to go up half a crown and....

GEORGE WINTER.

Five hundred half crowns are quite worth having, aren’t they?

SWALECLIFFE.

It’s been a lesson to me. I’ll never do anything like it again. I shan’t have the chance. If I have to pay for the shares....

GEORGE WINTER.

Get my cheque book, Teddie.

O’DONNELL.

Yes, sir.

SWALECLIFFE.

What are you going to do?

GEORGE WINTER.

I don’t want anyone to come into this concern who doesn’t believe in it. Make out a cheque for five hundred pounds to Mr. Swalecliffe.

[O’DONNELL _writes out a cheque during the next speeches_.

SWALECLIFFE.

That’s very generous of you.

GEORGE WINTER.

Generous? Not a bit of it. You don’t think I mind having five hundred shares more, do you?

SWALECLIFFE.

D’you think they’re worth it?

GEORGE WINTER.

They’ll be worth ten pounds a piece in six months, or I’m a Dutchman.

[O’DONNELL _hands him the cheque-book and a pen_. GEORGE WINTER
_signs his name and tears out a cheque_.

JAMES FORD.

[_While he is doing this._] That looks as if you had confidence in the mine.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Handing the cheque to_ SWALECLIFFE.] Here you are. [_To_ JAMES FORD.] D’you want me to buy your shares off you?

JAMES FORD.

[_With a quiet smile._] Not just yet, thank you.

SWALECLIFFE.

But what’s the meaning of the article, then?

GEORGE WINTER.

Why, it’s as plain as a pikestaff. The Lewishams were willing to give their eyes for the mine, but I was too much for them. Now they’re crabbing it. That’s all.

[_He says this with great assurance, as if it thoroughly explained
the whole thing._

SWALECLIFFE.

But then....

GEORGE WINTER.

Pay that into your bank and hand over the certificate to me when you get it.

SWALECLIFFE.

D’you think they’ll go to a premium?

GEORGE WINTER.

I’ve no doubt of it. I dare say the five hundred half-crowns will be just as useful to me as to you. But I shall hold on. I want a bigger profit than that.

SWALECLIFFE.

But if they’re good enough for you, they’re good enough for me.

GEORGE WINTER.

No, you’ve taken my cheque now. It’s too late.

SWALECLIFFE.

There’s your cheque. You can have it back again. I’m going to keep the shares.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Good-humouredly._] Well, I don’t mind. It won’t make much difference to me. But don’t sell them, whatever you read in the papers. What’s a profit of half a crown? Wait till you’ve got a profit of five pounds, and then you can think of selling them.

SWALECLIFFE.

[_With a gasp._] Five pounds? That would be two thousand five hundred.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Turning to_ COLONEL BOYCE.] Wait a minute. Get on to Bishop and Jones.

BOYCE.

The printers?

GEORGE WINTER.

We must answer this article. I’ve just been thinking what we’d better say.

[_He sits down and begins to write, while_ COLONEL BOYCE _goes to
the telephone_.

BOYCE.

What’s their number, d’you know?

JAMES FORD.

703, I think.

BOYCE.

Is that the Exchange? Give me 703, will you? That is Bishop and Jones, the printers, isn’t it?

GEORGE WINTER.

I’m going to make it hot and strong.

O’DONNELL.

Isn’t there anything I can do?

BOYCE.

Are you Bishop and Jones?

GEORGE WINTER.

Tell them to have everything ready to print off a couple of thousand posters at once. You’re just coming round in the car.

BOYCE.

Hulloa? Will you get everything ready to print off a couple of thousand posters at once. I’m just coming round. Colonel Boyce. Yes. That’s it.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Speaking through_ COLONEL BOYCE’S _instructions to the printers_.] What d’you think of this, Ford?

JAMES FORD.

Let’s have a look.

GEORGE WINTER.

You see we’ve got the advantage that they have to print a whole article. And we only need a couple of sentences.

JAMES FORD.

Yes, that seems all right.

ETCHINGHAM.

Couldn’t be better.

GEORGE WINTER.

Make a copy of it, Teddie. Hurry up.

BOYCE.

We haven’t got any time to lose.

GEORGE WINTER.

The car’s at the door.

O’DONNELL.

I shan’t be a minute.

GEORGE WINTER.

You can get hold of the bill-posters, can’t you?

BOYCE.

Oh, yes, there’ll be no bother about that.

O’DONNELL.

Here you are. That’s done.

GEORGE WINTER.

Take it, Boyce. And hurry up.

BOYCE.

[_Taking a copy of the reply._] Trust me.

[_He goes out._

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Handing_ O’DONNELL _a second copy_.] Teddie, jump into a cab and go round to the newspaper offices. And tell them to put that in their next edition. Biggest type they’ve got. Then go to the Committee Rooms and wait. I’ll ring you up there or come round.

O’DONNELL.

All right.

GEORGE WINTER.

And hustle, or I’ll sack you.

[_He goes out, and as he does so_ BENNETT _comes in_.

JAMES FORD.

You’re taking it better than I expected.

GEORGE WINTER.

What do you expect me to do; bang my head on the floor and tear out my hair? Can’t afford it. Takes me all my time to keep my hair on.

ETCHINGHAM.

Here’s Bennett.

GEORGE WINTER.

Well?

BENNETT.

Nothing much has happened. They’re a bit excited in the City.

JAMES FORD.

No bad drop in anything?

BENNETT.

Nothing to speak of.

JAMES FORD.

That’s a relief.

GEORGE WINTER.

Everything is sound. No one would be such a fool as to do a bear.

BENNETT.

I’m getting on to MacLaren and Hewitt.

GEORGE WINTER.

That’s all right. I wanted them.

JAMES FORD.

Are they brokers?

GEORGE WINTER.

Yes. Look here, Ford. I’m due to speak in the Cattle Market now. I wish you’d go down and keep them going till I turn up. I shall only be ten minutes. You’ve got the line all right, Fred?

BENNETT.

Yes.

JAMES FORD.

Well, I don’t mind if I do that. There’s nothing I can do here, is there?

GEORGE WINTER.

No, leave it all to me. Your interests are my interests.

JAMES FORD.

I’ll make tracks.

GEORGE WINTER.

That’s good.

[JAMES FORD _goes out_.

BENNETT.

Governor, I thought I’d better not say too much while he was there.

GEORGE WINTER.

I saw something was up. That’s why I got rid of him.

BENNETT.

Things are rotten.

ETCHINGHAM.

Good Lord.

BENNETT.

The Lewishams are going for us.

GEORGE WINTER.

I thought they would as soon as I saw the article.

BENNETT.

Who’s given it away, d’you think?

GEORGE WINTER.

How do I know? That doesn’t matter. The only thing is to face it.

ETCHINGHAM.

D’you mean our shares are falling, Mr. Bennett?

BENNETT.

There’s a lot of selling.

GEORGE WINTER.

I wish we could corner them. I’d like to give the bears a lesson.

BENNETT.

If it goes on there’ll be a panic.

GEORGE WINTER.

You’ve told the brokers to do all they can to prevent its going too far?

BENNETT.

I’ve told them to buy, but carefully.

GEORGE WINTER.

You must go up to London, Fred. There’s no one there with a head on his shoulders.

BENNETT.

I thought that was the best thing myself. I’ve looked out the trains. I can just catch the express. I shall be there soon after one.

GEORGE WINTER.

Then bolt at once. I give you a free hand.

BENNETT.

If the slump can be stopped, I’ll stop it.

GEORGE WINTER.

It’s not a matter of can. It must be stopped. And wire reassuring messages. We must hang on to the telephone for all we’re worth.

BENNETT.

Good-bye.

GEORGE WINTER.

And come back when the House closes. We must talk over things.

BENNETT.

All right. Good luck.

[_He goes out._

ETCHINGHAM.

Is it all up with us, George?

GEORGE WINTER.

What the dickens are you talking about?

ETCHINGHAM.

They’ve found out the truth. It’s there in black and white that the wretched mine’s worthless.

GEORGE WINTER.

They can’t prove anything.

ETCHINGHAM.

Ever since I knew I’ve scarcely closed my eyes at night. I wish I’d shot myself when you first told me.

GEORGE WINTER.

My dear fellow, you’re much more comfortable here than you would be at Kensal Green.

ETCHINGHAM.

And the worst of it is.... [_He breaks off._] At first I was overcome with the horror of it. But little by little I’ve got used to it, used to your being a thief and a swindler.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With a chuckle._] You put things rather bluntly, don’t you?

ETCHINGHAM.

And Bennett was a convict. It all seems quite natural now. And I can talk and laugh with you. And I eat by your side every day.

GEORGE WINTER.

One can’t make a fortune without taking risks.

ETCHINGHAM.

There are always those missing bonds. They’re in my thoughts day and night.

GEORGE WINTER.

No one can make inquiries for three weeks. By that time we shall have gone to allotment, and the bonds will be safely back in the black box.

ETCHINGHAM.

But will you be able to go to allotment?

GEORGE WINTER.

Of course we shall. This article isn’t going to do us any harm. I shall win the seat. That’ll give these Middlepool people confidence.

ETCHINGHAM.

George, I believe Ford is uneasy. I don’t trust him. Supposing he found out about the bonds?

GEORGE WINTER.

It might be devilish expensive.

ETCHINGHAM.

You’ll never buy him.

GEORGE WINTER.

I never met the man yet who hadn’t his price. Flattery if he’s a fool, hard cash if he’s a wise man. But a price of some sort. There’s always a price.

ETCHINGHAM.

Take care of Ford, George.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With a smile._] I’m not frightened.

ETCHINGHAM.

Sometimes I’m afraid, you’re so confident. It’s impossible a thing like this can end well.

GEORGE WINTER.

I believe in my star. I’ve been in tight corners before, but I’ve wriggled out of them. I’m stronger than ever I was. I’ve got ten times more brains than any of my competitors. The ball is at my feet and I’ve only got to set it rolling. What d’you think difficulties are to me? I’ve never been in better spirits, so alert, so buoyant, as during these last weeks when my neck has been in a noose and every policeman I passed might have a warrant in his pocket for my arrest. If there were ten times more difficulties I’d overcome them all. In ten years I shall be the richest man in London. In fifteen I shall be a peer. My God, I feel as if the world were an orange and I’d got my teeth into it, and I shall suck it dry.

ETCHINGHAM.

I wonder how many ruined lives will be sacrificed to give you all you want. You walk over dead bodies and broken hearts.

GEORGE WINTER.

Rot! I flutter the will-o’-the-wisp of gain before the covetous, and they follow. They want to make money without working for it. Well, I’m cleverer than they are. Swalecliffe gambles with his five hundred pounds. His five hundred pounds will find its way into my pocket. It’s his own look out. Each for himself and the devil take the hindmost. [_With a start._] By George, I’ve got an idea.... The Lewishams can’t attack my stocks without weakening their own. We’re in the same boat, and if one of us shakes it both’ll topple out.

ETCHINGHAM.

What d’you mean?

GEORGE WINTER.

Well, we’ll attack the Lewishams. I’ll get on to MacLaren’s at once. Go to the post office and wire to Bennett. He’s sure to call at the office. _Sell Lewishams._ He’ll twig. By George, that’s the ticket. Why didn’t I think of it before? We’ll make the Lewishams sorry they started this game.

ETCHINGHAM.

But supposing ...?

GEORGE WINTER.

Good God, man, don’t suppose, do as I tell you. Don’t you see we’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain? I know my luck’s in. And I follow my luck. That’s genius.

[ETCHINGHAM _with a sigh and a shrug of the shoulders goes out to
send the telegram_. GEORGE WINTER _begins to walk excitedly up and
down_.

CURTAIN.

SCENE II

_The scene takes place in the sitting-room of the Palace Hotel, but
it is eleven o’clock at night. Only a reading lamp is lit, the
light of which falls on_ CATHERINE _and_ LADY FRANCIS. CATHERINE
_is working at some embroidery_.

LADY FRANCIS.

Can you see, dear? Wouldn’t you like some more light?

CATHERINE.

[_With an affectionate smile._] No, the light hurts my eyes.

LADY FRANCIS.

You’re looking very pale, darling.

CATHERINE.

I haven’t been sleeping very well here. We’re so near the trains, and they seem to run all night.

LADY FRANCIS.

I wonder how George can stand it. His room is practically on the railway.

CATHERINE.

Thank heaven, it’s over. We shall know the result in half an hour, and to-morrow we can go.

LADY FRANCIS.

What are you going to do?

CATHERINE.

What can I do? Nothing.

LADY FRANCIS.

I’m afraid you’re very unhappy, Kate.

CATHERINE.

[_Smiling._] Please don’t think that, mother.

LADY FRANCIS.

You’ve given up everything for our sake.

CATHERINE.

I wish I could think so. I gave up my divorce because--because I was afraid. I couldn’t risk the regret that Robert might feel later. I should always have been looking for it.... One must never forget that love is a woman’s whole life, but it’s never more than part of a man’s, never.

LADY FRANCIS.

What did you tell him?

CATHERINE.

I wrote and said I found it impossible to go on with my action. I begged him not to try to move me. I told him I was very unhappy.

LADY FRANCIS.

Poor child.

CATHERINE.

He wrote very kindly. He made it as easy for me as he could. And now it’s all over. I’ve lost my last chance of happiness. I’m bound to my husband for the rest of my life.

LADY FRANCIS.

And do you still love Robert?

CATHERINE.

[_Smiling._] Yes. And I’m glad of what I’ve done. The only thing that helps me is the pride I take in all the great things he’s going to do. And it will have been me. I gave him the opportunity.

[ANNE _comes in. She is wearing a coat and skirt and a hat._

ANNE.

Well! You are strange people. How on earth can you sit there and sew while the counting’s going on? I’ve never been so excited in my life.

CATHERINE.

Why have you come back?

ANNE.

Well, it’s nearly finished now. Teddie said there’d be rather a scrummage when the result was known, and I’d better get out of the way.

CATHERINE.

[_Smiling._] Obedient creature.

ANNE.

It rather amuses me to be ordered about. Besides, I couldn’t help seeing that nobody wanted me. Teddie promised he’d bolt round as soon as the result was out. I say, let’s have some light, shall we?

[_She turns on the electricity, and the room is suddenly a glare of
light._

LADY FRANCIS.

You’ll blind us.

ANNE.

I love an election. I’ve never had such a time in my life. I’ve enjoyed every minute of these three weeks. I hope Teddie’ll go into Parliament.

LADY FRANCIS.

[_Raising her eyebrows._] On four hundred a year?

ANNE.

Oh, George will give us a rise. He says Teddie’s awfully useful. George _is_ good, isn’t he?

CATHERINE.

I’m glad you’re so happy, darling.

ANNE.

[_Abruptly, after a little, quick look at her._] You’re not angry with us, Kate?

CATHERINE.

Good heavens, why should I be?

ANNE.

You know, it’s so dreadfully hard to pretend I haven’t got eyes in my head.... Why don’t you make it up with George, Katie?

CATHERINE.

I don’t know what makes you think there’s anything to make up.

ANNE.

Oh, my dear, what I didn’t guess for myself Teddie told me.

CATHERINE.

He would have been wiser to mind his own business.

ANNE.

It was rather....

CATHERINE.

If you knew how things were between George and myself, and you were willing to accept his favours what do you expect me to say? I didn’t ask you not to. I knew if I had you would only have refused. I’m cynical enough to know that in this world each of us takes care of his own interests.

LADY FRANCIS.

My dear, don’t be so bitter.

ANNE.

One has to take people as one finds them; George has always been charming to me. If you’d only make allowances for him....

CATHERINE.

[_Interrupting vehemently._] Oh, my dear, don’t. I’m not in the humour to stand that. Leave me to lead my own life without interference. Surely it’s enough that to bind me to him George should give you an income to marry on. You can’t want more from me than that.

ANNE.

Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything that would hurt you.

CATHERINE.

[_Recovering herself._] You haven’t. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to make a scene, but my nerves are a little upset. I’m a very weak, selfish woman, audit’s dreadfully hard to be half as angelic as you think me. I’m very glad that you’re going to marry Teddie. You’re in love with one another, and if you haven’t much money, what does it matter? I’m sure you’ll be tremendously happy.

ANNE.

You are a dear.

[FRANCIS ETCHINGHAM _comes in_. _He is wearing a dinner jacket and
a black tie._ ANNE _springs up impulsively_.

ANNE.

Is it over?

ETCHINGHAM.

No, I was too anxious to stay any longer.

LADY FRANCIS.

But George is going to get in?

ETCHINGHAM.

Who can tell? The seat has always been lost or held by a handful of votes.

ANNE.

But how did it seem to be going?

ETCHINGHAM.

Winter, Morrison, Winter, Morrison. One vote on one side, one vote on the other. It seemed interminable.

LADY FRANCIS.

He won by seventy-five last time.

ETCHINGHAM.

Who can tell the effect of all these rumours and suspicions and attacks? They may just have made the difference. Oh, it’s maddening.

CATHERINE.

Sit down, father, and rest. You look quite done up.

ETCHINGHAM.

Even George is anxious. I know his face so well. He’s trying to appear as if he were certain.

ANNE.

No human being could help being anxious.

LADY FRANCIS.

[_With a sudden start._] I thought I heard some shouting.

ANNE.

Oh, I wish I hadn’t come away.

LADY FRANCIS.

Let’s open the window. Perhaps we shall hear something.

[LADY FRANCIS _and_ ANNE _go to the window and open it_.

LADY FRANCIS.

No, I was mistaken.

ANNE.

Listen. I’m sure I hear cheering.

[_She goes out on to the balcony. She and_ LADY FRANCIS _are half
hidden from view, so that it may be supposed the following scene
between_ CATHERINE _and_ LORD FRANCIS _is not heard by them_.

ETCHINGHAM.

[_In a low voice to_ CATHERINE.] Oh, my dear, will you ever forgive me?

CATHERINE.

Oh, father, don’t. It was very noble of you not to tell me anything before I decided. Now that I know the whole truth....

ETCHINGHAM.

The only hope we’ve got is to go on. If he gets in, if we can pull things together, we may get out of the muddle. He’s positive of it. The only thing that held me up was the thought of all of you. If I’d gone to the police there and then--or made away with myself, it would have meant the ruin of all of you.

CATHERINE.

And of all the unhappy people who’ve trusted everything they had to George.

ETCHINGHAM.

You think I was right, Kate, don’t you? It wasn’t just cowardice on my part?

CATHERINE.

I hope you were right.

ETCHINGHAM.

But if it was all in vain? If he’s not able to float the company and the truth comes out, then I shall have sacrificed you for nothing.

CATHERINE.

Oh, don’t think of it.

ETCHINGHAM.

I believe if he wins the election he’ll be strong enough to force the issue on them.

CATHERINE.

But if the mine’s worthless?

ETCHINGHAM.

We’re going to buy the shares in when the tide turns in Central America. Things are looking brighter already. He’s promised me that no one shall lose a farthing. When that’s done I go. Oh, how thankful I shall be!

CATHERINE.

Oh, I know, I know.

ETCHINGHAM.

I had to tell some one, and I couldn’t tell your mother.

CATHERINE.

I’m glad you told me. It makes it easier to bear now we both know.

ANNE.

At last!... Father, father.

[_She comes back into the room, excitedly, and at the same time a
vague, muffled shouting is heard in the distance._ ETCHINGHAM
_springs to his feet_.

ETCHINGHAM.

Thank God. The suspense was awful.

LADY FRANCIS.

There’s no mistaking it this time.

ETCHINGHAM.

Is he in? Is he in?

ANNE.

Of course he’s in. I’ve never felt so confident in my life.

ETCHINGHAM.

If it’s all right, then we’re safe. I’m sure it’s the beginning of the turn.

LADY FRANCIS.

Why doesn’t Teddie make haste?

ANNE.

Listen to the shouting. Isn’t it splendid?

[_More shouting is heard, this time a little louder._

ETCHINGHAM.

I expect they’re reading out the figures.

[TEDDIE O’DONNELL _rushes in, rather dishevelled, with his hat on
the back of his head_.

O’DONNELL.

He’s in!

ANNE.

How ripping!

[FRANCIS ETCHINGHAM _sinks into a chair, too overcome to speak,
trying to compose himself_. CATHERINE _puts her hand on his
shoulder to show her sympathy_.

LADY FRANCIS.

What’s the majority?

O’DONNELL.

Twenty-seven.

ANNE.

I say, what a squeak!

O’DONNELL.

Just at the end I thought we were beaten. It was Morrison, Morrison, Morrison, until I almost screamed.

ETCHINGHAM.

Well, he’s in at all events.

ANNE.

I am glad.

[_She throws her arms impulsively round_ O’DONNELL’S _neck and
kisses him_.

O’DONNELL.

By Jove, it was a moment to live for when the figures were read out. You never heard such shouting.

CATHERINE.

Where is he now?

O’DONNELL.

When I left he was making a speech to the crowd. But one couldn’t hear a word, because every one was shouting at the top of his voice. I simply bellowed.

ANNE.

[_Enthusiastically._] Aren’t you glad, Kate?

CATHERINE.

[_Smiling._] Yes, very glad.

ANNE.

How can you take it so quietly!

LADY FRANCIS.

Is he coming here?

O’DONNELL.

Yes. I forgot to give you his message. He sent his love to Kate, and said he’d be here in two twos.

ANNE.

I wish he’d hurry up. Isn’t he a darling?

O’DONNELL.

He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known. He’s a perfect stunner. I don’t know what there is about him, but you can’t help believing in him. And he was so splendid this morning about those confounded lies in the paper. All the rest of them were as frightened as rabbits, but he never turned a hair.

ANNE.

[_Excitedly._] There’s a car.

O’DONNELL.

That’s it, I bet you anything you like.

ANNE.

How jolly of him to come quickly! [_She runs to the door and opens it._] George, George!

[GEORGE WINTER _comes in boisterously and clasps_ ANNE _in his
arms_.

ANNE.

Isn’t it splendid!

GEORGE WINTER.

Glorious victory, what!

[_He is followed by_ COLONEL BOYCE, JAMES FORD, MR. SWALECLIFFE,
_and two other men_.

ETCHINGHAM.

Thank God!

GEORGE WINTER.

You haven’t been worried about it? I knew I’d get in. I never had a moment’s doubt about it.

JAMES FORD.

[_Drily._] No one can say you don’t believe in yourself.

GEORGE WINTER.

Hang it all, if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you? Drinks, gentlemen!

O’DONNELL.

Shall I ring?

GEORGE WINTER.

I told the waiter on my way up. Here they are. [_A couple of waiters come in with glasses and bottles of champagne._] No teetotalism to-night, Mr. Swalecliffe. By Jove, I’m thirsty. Pour it out. Pour it out.

SWALECLIFFE.

I never touch alcohol, Mr. Winter.

GEORGE WINTER.

Poor is the heart that never rejoices. Have you all got glasses, gentlemen? Come on, Lady Francis. Don’t be backward, Anne.

ANNE.

Yes, please.

GEORGE WINTER.

That’s right. Now then, Teddie. All ready? Gentlemen, I give you my wife, to whom this glorious victory is due.

ALL.

Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Winter. Catherine.

CATHERINE.

[_Embarrassed and shy._] Thank you very much.

[_There are shouts outside, cheers_: WINTER, WINTER, _For he’s a
jolly good fellow_.

GEORGE WINTER.

Hulloa, they’ve come round to the hotel.

ANNE.

Just look at the crowd.

O’DONNELL.

Shall I open the window?

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Stepping forward._] Yes.

[_At his appearance the shouts break out more tumultuously. Cheer
upon cheer is heard._ GEORGE WINTER _puts up his hand for silence_.

GEORGE WINTER.

Gentlemen, we’ve won a great fight. We’ve won in face of a campaign of lies, of misrepresentation, and of scandal. Truth always prevails. Honesty is the best policy. A glorious victory, gentlemen, and a triumph for English honesty, English plain dealing, and English integrity. Gentlemen, I drink your health.

[_He drinks his glass of champagne before the crowd. The cheering
which has been going on all through the speech now grows louder and
louder. There are shouts of_ MRS. WINTER.

GEORGE WINTER.

Kate, they want you.

CATHERINE.

No. Please not.

GEORGE WINTER.

Come. No false modesty. Give them a bow, that won’t hurt you.

[_He takes her hand and draws her to the window. The crowd bursts
out again into cheering._ GEORGE WINTER _comes back into the room_.

GEORGE WINTER.

My word, what a moment!

BOYCE.

You must be dead beat.

GEORGE WINTER.

I? Fresh as a daisy. Nothing can beat me.

O’DONNELL.

[_Taking out his watch._] By Jove, I had no idea it was so late.

BOYCE.

I think I’ll be getting along.

GEORGE WINTER.

Oh, nonsense! Why, the evening’s only just beginning.

BOYCE.

I’m dog tired.

SWALECLIFFE.

I must be getting away, too. My wife will be wanting to know all about it.

GEORGE WINTER.

Well, if I can’t persuade you, I suppose I can’t. I hope you’ll all have as good a night as I mean to.

SWALECLIFFE.

You think it’s all right about--about that matter?

GEORGE WINTER.

Don’t you worry your head. It’s as right as rain. I tell you that nothing I touch can fail.

SWALECLIFFE.

Then good-night.

GEORGE WINTER.

Good-night.

[COLONEL BOYCE, SWALECLIFFE, _and the other two men who came in
with them, go out_.

GEORGE WINTER.

You’re not going yet, Ford?

JAMES FORD.

No. If you don’t mind I’d like to have a word with you when you can spare me a few minutes.

GEORGE WINTER.

As many as you like. I’m ready now.

LADY FRANCIS.

If you’re going to talk business, we’d better leave you.

JAMES FORD.

I’m in no hurry, my lady.

LADY FRANCIS.

It really is getting very late.

O’DONNELL.

Aren’t you too tired for business now?

GEORGE WINTER.

Tired? I don’t know what it is to be tired. When you write my biography, young man, you can say that after the hardest fought battle of the election, when the cheers of the multitude were still ringing in his ears, he sat down at midnight, fresh as paint, and talked business with the shrewdest man in Middlepool till break of day.

JAMES FORD.

[_Drily._] It’ll be more accurate if you say for ten minutes.

GEORGE WINTER.

But so much less effective.

ANNE.

I’m sure you’ve been drinking too much champagne, George.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Laughing._] Nonsense. I could drink a gallon, and be as sober as a judge at the end of it.

ANNE.

Well, good-night.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Kissing her._] Good-night, my chick. Have you named the happy day yet?

LADY FRANCIS.

Good-night.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_To_ _O’Donnell_.] And you can add that I enveloped my mother-in-law in my arms.

LADY FRANCIS.

[_With a smile, warding off his attempt to embrace her._] I congratulate you. It’s been a great triumph.

GEORGE WINTER.

Oh, it’s only the beginning. I’ve got the world at my feet. In ten years I shall be crying like Alexander because there are no more worlds to conquer.

O’DONNELL.

You don’t want me any more, do you?

[LADY FRANCIS _and_ ANNE _go out_.

GEORGE WINTER.

No, go to bed. You’re young, and you want your beauty sleep. I’ll be bound you’re not worried by the trains. Where’s your room?

O’DONNELL.

It’s just above yours. But I sleep like a top.

GEORGE WINTER.

That’s a good sign. You’ll be as great a man as I am one of these days.

O’DONNELL.

[_With a laugh._] Good-night.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_To_ ETCHINGHAM.] And you’d better go off too, old man. You look tired out.

ETCHINGHAM.

[_Wearily._] It’s been an exciting day for all of us.

GEORGE WINTER.

It’s been one of the days that make life worth living.

ETCHINGHAM.

Good-night.

[_As they go out_ CATHERINE _comes forward_.

CATHERINE.

I won’t say good-night to you just yet. If Mr. Ford is not going to keep you long I should like to speak to you afterwards.

JAMES FORD.

It’ll be ten minutes at the utmost, Mrs. Winter.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With exaggerated gallantry._] I’m at your disposal, darling, now and always.

[_With a slight bow to_ JAMES FORD, CATHERINE _goes out_.

GEORGE WINTER.

I told you I was justified in trusting my luck. Everything is coming out right. The Lewishams won’t be able to stand against me much longer. They’ll have to take me in. We’ll combine our interests, and then we shall hold Central America in the hollow of our hands. You’ll be in it too, James. You’re going to be a richer man than you guess. And when I’m in with the Lewishams I shall bide my time. Manny Lewisham can’t last much longer, and his sons are fools. When he’s gone I shall get the whole business in my hands. I’ve got ten times more brains than anyone in that market. There’s no one who can stand against me.

JAMES FORD.

[_Quietly._] You haven’t forgotten that article in _The Financial Standard_?

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Gaily._] Oh, is that what you want to talk to me about? I tell you that shan’t disturb my night’s rest. By the way, that reminds me: if I have won the election it was through no help of yours. I asked you to go down and speak in the Cattle Market, and when I got there I found there’d been no sign of you. It might have been devilish awkward.

JAMES FORD.

Well, it so happens it didn’t matter.

GEORGE WINTER.

Where did you get to after all?

JAMES FORD.

[_Looking at him._] I went up to London!

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Indifferently, doing all he can to hide his suspicion._] Did you?

JAMES FORD.

[_Very quietly, almost diffidently._] I was struck by one of the paragraphs in the article. The one about where you got the money from.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With a smile._] I noticed that seemed to bother you a bit.

JAMES FORD.

Things were pretty tight at that time.

GEORGE WINTER.

A man in my position can always lay his hands on money.

JAMES FORD.

It was a big sum.

GEORGE WINTER.

Fair to moderate.

[_There is a very short pause. The two men, both shrewd, hard and
keen, face one another like two duellists._

JAMES FORD.

It struck me that the Middlepool Investment Trust had got a large batch of bonds lying in the bank.

[_He watches_ GEORGE WINTER _for the effect of this statement_.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With a smile._] Well, they’re lying there still.

JAMES FORD.

Will you take your oath on that?

GEORGE WINTER.

Yes.

JAMES FORD.

The more I thought of it, the more nervous I was. I went to the bank.

[GEORGE WINTER _gives him a rapid look, but otherwise makes no sign
that he realizes his theft is discovered_.

JAMES FORD.

They showed me an order for delivery of the bonds signed by you, Etchingham, and Bennett.

GEORGE WINTER.

Have a cigar, will you?

JAMES FORD.

No.... What have you done with those bonds?

GEORGE WINTER.

If they’re in their place when the auditor makes his examination no one has any question to ask.

JAMES FORD.

[_More sternly._] You had no more right to touch them than my office boy has the right to take a sovereign from the petty cash.

GEORGE WINTER.

What the devil d’you mean by that?

JAMES FORD.

I’m a director of the Middlepool Investment Trust. I insist on the bonds being produced at once.

GEORGE WINTER.

They shall be produced in a fortnight.

JAMES FORD.

No, no, my friend, that won’t do.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Impatiently._] Don’t be a fool, James, you know as well as I do that business is business.

JAMES FORD.

Yes, and not theft.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Apparently flying into a passion._] How dare you speak to me like that!

JAMES FORD.

It’s no good trying to bluster with me, George. I’ve seen you do it at shareholders’ meetings and very effective it is sometimes, but this isn’t the time for it.

[_There is a pause._ GEORGE WINTER _considers the position and
determines to face it_.

GEORGE WINTER.

All right then.... I knew the mine was a good thing. I pledged the bonds to pay for it. I shall get them back as soon as the money comes in from the issue. Now you’ve got it.

JAMES FORD.

It’s theft pure and simple.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Insolently._] I suppose you want to come in with me. [_He does not notice_ JAMES FORD’S _instinctive movement of repulsion_.] I’ll give you your shares for nothing. That means ten thousand pounds, and if you hold on to them they’ll be worth fifty thousand in a year.

JAMES FORD.

Thank you. I’m not going to risk a lifetime’s honest work for a few thousand pounds.

GEORGE WINTER.

Then what do you want?

JAMES FORD.

Nothing.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With a slight smile._] You’ve been Mayor of Middlepool twice, and you’ve done a lot of work for the party. I can’t help thinking it’s almost time the Government showed some appreciation of your services.

JAMES FORD.

You’ve mistaken your man, George Winter. I’ve worked like a nigger for thirty years. I’ve not let any chance slip by me, but I’ve never done anything that a man need be ashamed of. I’ve built up an honest business to leave to my sons, and an honest name. I’m too old to start being a rogue now.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Impatiently._] I thought you wanted to talk business.

JAMES FORD.

Right’s right, and wrong’s wrong. You can’t get over that. I couldn’t rest for a moment if I thought any act of mine wasn’t above board. It’s no credit of mine, I’m just made that way.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_As if he were talking to a child._] Come, James, we’ve been good friends for twenty years.

JAMES FORD.

[_In a low voice._] This afternoon, when I found out what you’d done--well, I could have cried.

[_There is a real anguish in his tone which startles_ GEORGE
WINTER. _For the first time he realizes that the affair is serious.
He begins to get frightened._

GEORGE WINTER.

[_Quickly, hoarsely._] But you don’t mean seriously....

JAMES FORD.

[_Desperately._] How can I make you understand? You don’t seem to see that now I know what you’ve done I’m just filled with horror and loathing. If you’ve done this God knows what else you haven’t done. I don’t want to be hard on you. I must do my duty. I’m a director of the company. I put all my friends in it. I put my sister into it. And this mine. Is it true what that paper says? For all I know that’s a swindle too.

GEORGE WINTER.

[_With sudden anxiety._] You’re not going to push me down now that I’m almost at the top of the tree? I’ve got the world at my feet. If you’ll only give me a month I can put everything straight.

JAMES FORD.

Five minutes ago it was a fortnight. I don’t believe it. These things don’t come right. When a man has crossed the line that separates honesty from dishonesty he never gets back.

GEORGE WINTER.

If you give me away now it’ll mean a general smash. The only chance of saving things is to go on. The money’s gone. You won’t get it back by giving me up to the police.

JAMES FORD.

I must take my chance of that. After all, if I don’t speak it makes me a party to the crime. It can be proved that I went to the bank to-day.

GEORGE WINTER.

Now you’re saying something I can understand. If I show you by plain figures that I can put everything right if you’ll only give me time....

JAMES FORD.

I tell you I can’t. I’ve got my wife to think of, and my boys. It’s theft, it’s the money of orphans and widows that you’ve taken, and there’s only one course open to me.

GEORGE WINTER.

What are you going to do?

JAMES FORD.

[_Brokenly._] My God, what can I do? I trusted you as I would have trusted my sons.

GEORGE WINTER.

Out with it!

JAMES FORD.

I must--I must consult the Chief Constable.

GEORGE WINTER.

You wouldn’t do that? You don’t seriously mean that you’d go to the police? It’s madness. It’s so impractical. It’s stupid.

JAMES FORD.

I could never respect myself again if I.... It’s a matter between my conscience and myself.... Oh, George, why have you put me in this position?

GEORGE WINTER.