in, "you know, he is thoroughly respectable and all that, but of
no--ah--social or family standing; that is--oh, you understand."

"Quite," said Mr. Rae drily.

"Yes, I shall see him," continued the Captain briskly. "I shall
certainly see him. It is a good suggestion. Sir Archibald knows my
family; indeed, his father was from the Erracht region. I shall see him
personally. I am glad you thought of that, Mr. Rae. These smaller men,
Sheratt and the rest, I do not know--in fact, I do not seem to be able
to manage them,--but with Sir Archibald there will be no difficulty, I
feel quite confident. When can you arrange the interview?"

Mr. Rae sat gazing thoughtfully into the fire, more and more convinced
every moment that he had made a false move in suggesting a meeting
between the Captain and Sir Archibald Brodie. But labour as he might he
could not turn the Captain from his purpose. He was resolved to see Sir
Archibald at the earliest moment, and of the result of the meeting he
had no manner of doubt.

"He knew my family, Sir," insisted the Captain. "Sir Archibald will
undoubtedly accede to my suggestion--ah--request to withdraw his action.
Arrange it, Mr. Rae, arrange it at once."

And ruefully enough Mr. Rae was compelled to yield against his better
judgment.

It was discovered upon inquiry that Sir Archibald had gone for a day or
two to his country estate. "Ah, much better," said the Captain, "away
from his office and away from the--ah--commercial surroundings of the
city. Much better, much better! We shall proceed to his country home."

Of the wisdom of this proposal Mr. Rae was doubtful. There seemed,
however, no other way open. Hence, the following morning found them on
their way to Sir Archibald's country seat. Mr. Rae felt that it was
an unusual course to pursue, but the time was short, the occasion was
gravely critical, and demanded extreme measures.

During their railway journey Mr. Rae strove to impress upon the
Captain's mind the need of diplomacy. "Sir Archibald is a man of strong
prejudices," he urged; "for instance, his Bank he regards with an
affection and respect amounting to veneration. He is a bachelor, you
understand, and his Bank is to him wife and bairns. On no account must
you treat his Bank lightly."

"Oh, certainly not," replied the Captain, who was inclined to resent Mr.
Rae's attempts to school him in diplomacy.

"He is a great financier," continued Mr. Rae, "and with him finance is a