"He knew my family, Sir," insisted the Captain. "Sir Archibald will
undoubtedly accede to my suggestion--ah--request to withdraw his action.
Arrange it, Mr. Rae, arrange it at once."
And ruefully enough Mr. Rae was compelled to yield against his better
judgment.
It was discovered upon inquiry that Sir Archibald had gone for a day or
two to his country estate. "Ah, much better," said the Captain, "away
from his office and away from the--ah--commercial surroundings of the
city. Much better, much better! We shall proceed to his country home."
Of the wisdom of this proposal Mr. Rae was doubtful. There seemed,
however, no other way open. Hence, the following morning found them on
their way to Sir Archibald's country seat. Mr. Rae felt that it was
an unusual course to pursue, but the time was short, the occasion was
gravely critical, and demanded extreme measures.
During their railway journey Mr. Rae strove to impress upon the
Captain's mind the need of diplomacy. "Sir Archibald is a man of strong
prejudices," he urged; "for instance, his Bank he regards with an
affection and respect amounting to veneration. He is a bachelor, you
understand, and his Bank is to him wife and bairns. On no account must
you treat his Bank lightly."
"Oh, certainly not," replied the Captain, who was inclined to resent Mr.
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