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.