For your sake I'd let the lad go, God
knows, and there's my han' upon it, but as I said, that lies with Sir
Archibald."
The old friends shook hands in silence.
"Thank ye, Tom, thank ye," said Mr. Rae; "I knew it."
"But harken to me, ye'll no' move Sir Archibald, for on this particular
point he's quite mad. He'd prosecute the Duke of Argyll, he would. But
two days are yours, Sandy. And mind with Sir Archibald ye treat his Bank
with reverence! It's a National Institution, with National obligations,
ye ken?" Mr. Sheratt's wink conveyed a volume of meaning. "And mind you,
Rae," here Mr. Sheratt grew grave, "I am trusting you to produce that
lad when wanted."
"I have him in safe keeping, Tom, and shall produce him, no fear."
And with that the two old gentlemen parted, loyal to a lifelong
friendship, but loyal first to the trust of those they stood pledged to
serve; for the friendship that gives first place to honour is the only
friendship that honourable men can hold.
Mr. Rae set off for his office through the drizzling rain. "Now then,
for the Captain," he said to himself; "and a state he will be in! Why
did I ever summon him to town? Then for Mr. Dunn, who must keep his eye
upon the young man."
In his office he found Captain Cameron in a state of distraction that
rendered him incapable of either coherent thought or speech.
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