“Yes, an Englishman dearly loves a compromise, doesn’t he? But if I thought these fellows would put up a decent and interesting fight, I should like to see them squirm.” “That isn’t business, my lord.” “Isn’t it? Well, what would the city call business in this instance?” “Strip them of everything they possess, short of making them bankrupt.” “Oh, that’s a beastly sort of compromise! That’s the city’s idea of fair play, is it? Well, I’m blest! They’d surely fight if confronted with such a prospect as that.” “How can they fight? They’ve undertaken to turn over to you anywhere from sixty to seventy thousand shares of Red Shallows, which they do not possess, and cannot obtain. You’re the only man in the world from whom they can buy this material which they have sold. There is no competition in this deal. They must pay the price you ask. If you say these shares you bought for two-and-sixpence are now worth ten pounds, they must pay the difference, or go broke.” “Well, Mr. Mackeller, that seems simple enough, doesn’t it? The only information I need is how much money these fellows possess. How shall I set about finding out?” “Your bank could give you a pretty close estimate, and I’ll inquire at mine.” “Then that’s all settled. I’m cast for the hardhearted villain in the piece, I suppose?” “Yes, you may be hard-hearted or the reverse, just which you choose.” “Will their women and children come and plead with me, on their knees, with tears in their eyes?” “I’ve known that done, my lord, but I’ve never heard that it has had any effect in the city.” “I think I’ll turn that job over to you, Mr. Mac-keller. You’ll be my plea-receiver. I dislike having my emotions worked upon. They tell me that a harrowing of the emotions causes wrinkles and sallowness, and I’m particularly careful of my complexion. Both you and your son seem to have neglected these simple precautions, for your complexions are irretrievably ruined; yours through leading a hard-hearted life in the city, and his by yachting on the river Paraboola.” “Paramakaboo,” corrected young Mackeller. “Thanks, so it is. How should we make the first move toward gathering in those shares which do not exist?” “I suggest,” replied the elder man, “that you should formally demand that the president of the company and the board of directors turn over to you all the papers and belongings of the company, also its balance at the bank, also the resignations of the president and each of the directors. Give them legal notice that no check is to be drawn upon the bank account.” “How much money do you suppose is left in the bank?” The younger man answered.