[_The_ BUTLER _shows in_ FREDERICK BENNETT. _He is a little man, thin, middle-aged, clean shaven, with a sharp face, and an extremely respectable appearance. He wears gold spectacles. He is in a tail coat and carries a tall hat in his hand. The_ BUTLER _goes out after announcing him_. GEORGE WINTER. What’s the matter, Fred? BENNETT. I went round to Portman Square, Governor, and they told me you were here; I thought I’d better come on at once. ETCHINGHAM. Nothing has happened, Mr. Bennett? BENNETT. No, my lord. [_To_ GEORGE WINTER.] May I speak to you for a moment, Governor? GEORGE WINTER. Yes. Etchingham, d’you mind ...? ETCHINGHAM. Of course not. [_He goes up to_ CATHERINE, _who is standing at the window, and begins talking to her. The conversation between_ GEORGE WINTER _and_ BENNETT _proceeds in a lower tone, sinking almost to a whisper as it goes on_. GEORGE WINTER. What the devil’s the matter, Fred? You’re looking like a dying duck in a thunderstorm. BENNETT. There’s been a cable from Macdonald, Governor. GEORGE WINTER. Good business. And when’s the report due? I suppose it’s following. BENNETT. Yes. GEORGE WINTER. Why the deuce didn’t you ring me up? I’d have come down to the office at once. Now we’ve got that we can fire away. BENNETT. I wouldn’t risk it on the phone. You never know who’s listening. GEORGE WINTER. Drivel. You’re an old woman, Fred. Have you got it on you? BENNETT. It’s not what you expect, Governor. GEORGE WINTER. [_Seizing his wrist._] What the hell d’you mean? BENNETT. It’s rotten. It’s.... GEORGE WINTER. [_Interrupting violently._] You filthy liar, what are you talking about? BENNETT. Take care, they’ll hear you. GEORGE WINTER. Where is it? BENNETT. I’ve got it in my pocket. GEORGE WINTER. If you’ve been playing the fool with me, Fred.... BENNETT. [_Taking out the cable._] I’m in it as deep as you are. [GEORGE WINTER _takes the cable, is just going to unfold it, when, sick with apprehension, he hesitates. He is too terrified to read it._ GEORGE WINTER. What does it say, Fred? BENNETT. Why, there’s nothing there. We’ve been done in the eye. The mine’s worthless. [GEORGE WINTER _turns away from him, a look of fear and bewilderment on his face. For a moment he hesitates uncertain what to do, then quickly makes up his mind and clenches his teeth._ BENNETT. [_Going up to him._] Governor. GEORGE WINTER. If that’s true, the hundred thousand we paid for it might as well have been thrown down a drain-pipe. BENNETT. What are you going to do? GEORGE WINTER. Do? Fight it out. ETCHINGHAM. [_Coming forward._] Nothing serious, I hope, George? GEORGE WINTER. [_Over his shoulder._] Nothing. BENNETT. [_In a whisper._] You know what it means if you fail? GEORGE WINTER. The Old Bailey. But I shan’t fail. _The_ BUTLER _comes in_. THOMPSON. Luncheon is ready, my lord. END OF THE FIRST ACT.