"
"It is quite impossible," said Sir Archibald.
"Come, come, Sir Archibald," said the Captain, exercising an unusual
self-control; "let us look at this thing as two gentlemen should who
respect each other, and who know what is due to our--ah--class."
It was an unfortunate remark of the Captain's.
"Our class, Sir? I presume you mean the class of gentlemen. All that
is due to our class or any other class is strict justice, and that you,
Sir, or any other gentleman, shall receive to the very fullest in this
matter. The honour of the Bank, which I regard as a great National
Institution charged with National responsibilities, is involved, as is
also my own personal honour. I sincerely trust your son may be cleared
of every charge of crime, but this case must be prosecuted to the very
fullest degree."
"And do you mean to tell me, Sir Archibald," exclaimed the Captain, now
in a furious passion, "that for the sake of a few paltry pounds you will
blast my name and my family name in this country?--a name, I venture to
say, not unknown in the history of this nation. The Camerons, Sir, have
fought and bled for King and country on many a battlefield. What matters
the question of a few pounds in comparison with the honour of an
ancient and honourable name? You cannot persist in this attitude, Sir
Archibald!"
"Pounds, Sir!" cried Sir Archibald, now thoroughly aroused by the
contemptuous reference to what to him was dearer than anything in life.
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