Quite suddenly Mr. Saunderson was aware of the strength of the antagonism that confronted him. Unable to trace the reason of it, he blundered on hopelessly. "Mr. Masters was, I should say, quite aware of your natural ability. He has had more regard for your fortunes than you probably suspect. I have letters of his to various men concerning the starting of this ingenious invention of yours, Patrimondi." He bustled over some papers on the table as if searching, and did not see Christopher's sudden backward movement: but Mr. Aston bent forward and put his hand as if accidentally on Christopher's shoulder as he spoke: "Never mind them, now, Mr. Saunderson. Mr. Masters was, we know, naturally interested in that affair, but to continue your account, what will happen if Mr. Aston refuses to accept his position? Let us suppose for a moment there had been no clue left. What would you have done?" Mr. Saunderson brought the tips of his red, podgy fingers together with great exactness. "That is a supposition I should be sorry to entertain, sir," he said deliberately. "I am afraid you must entertain it," put in Christopher, suddenly, his resolution to escape urging him to curt methods. The light eyes of the lawyer rested on him with something very like apprehension in them. "In the case of there being no direct heir the money would go to the nearest of kin." "We will pass that over," Mr. Aston said quietly. "I am the nearest relative Peter had, after Christopher, and I decline it at all costs." "Unclaimed and unowned money would fall to the Crown, I suppose. It is impossible to imagine it." "The Crown would see no difficulty in that, I expect," put in Christopher. "How could you stop the Thing going on, that's what I want to know?" "You could give the money to Charities and shut down the works and leave thousands to starve." Christopher moved impatiently. "The money invested in each company could be divided amongst the shareholders, I suppose, or in the case of the Stormly Mines amongst the work-people." "If you want to ruin them." "Mr. Saunderson, I am not going to accept this fortune. I don't like the way it was made, I don't want it, I won't work for it." "Why should you work for it, after all? You can go on with your own life and delegate your powers to another or others, and let all continue as it is. The income would be at your disposal to save or spend. You need never enter Princes Buildings if that is what troubles you. You can spend the money in philanthropy, or gamble it away at Monte Carlo, or leave it to accumulate for your heirs. If you'll do that I'll undertake to find suitable men to carry on the affairs." Christopher's face flushed angrily, but he made an effort to control himself, however, and answered quietly. "I cannot take money I've not earned, Mr. Saunderson." Mr. Saunderson made a gesture of despair.