"Feeling very bad, old boy?" she said.
"I have spent more cheerful moments," Andrew replied.
Hilda nodded.
"It must be trying—the pause before the battle! But you'll shake off the sinking feeling when you get into action. Don't let them bully5 you, Andrew. They can look very wise, but there's none of them you need be afraid of, unless it's Leonard. Antony, of course, will back you all he can."
"Thanks for the encouragement; but I'm not sure you have any right to talk about these things.[Pg 246]"
"Oh, don't be silly! Can't you realize that I've grown up? And if I hadn't as much sense as Robert and Mrs. Fenwood, I'd feel very sorry for myself. But we had better be practical—I suppose you see what you ought to do?"
"No," Andrew admitted, "not as clearly as I could wish."
"Then what troubles the others is that they can't think for themselves. They must have a lead, as Leonard knows, and he has cleverly given them one. So far, they have followed him docilely6; now you must make them follow you."
"Can you tell me how it should be done?"
"I'll admit that it's easier to sketch7 out a general plan than to fit in the details; but that's your business," said Hilda. Then her tone changed and grew tinged8 with haughtiness9. "First of all, remember that you're fighting for Allinson's! I'm glad the others are nearly as proud of the name as we are. It's unthinkable that Leonard should drag it down and sell it for what he can gain. You stand for what we hold precious; you must beat him."
"I'll try," Andrew promised soberly; and Hilda kissed him and went hastily from the room.
Andrew remained for a few minutes, feeling cheered. Geraldine, Ethel, and now Hilda had urged him on. They thought he was right, and it looked as if all had some confidence in his ability. He was not sure that it was well founded, for he knew his limitations, the worst of which was ignorance. Still, he must try not to discredit10 his supporters, and his task could not be shirked. He went to the library, where his relatives were waiting, and gravely asked them to be seated. Though two pillar lamps were lighted, the large room[Pg 247] was shadowy. A silver stand with candles burning occupied the middle of the great oak table round which the party gathered, flinging a clear illumination on their faces.
Andrew took the head of the table, and there was something the others had not expected in his quiet manner. He did not look as if he had come to make excuses or ask their forbearance. Leonard, sitting opposite, eyed him sharply; Florence and Gertrude did not seem at ease. Mrs. Fenwood and Robert Allinson were heavily serious; Wannop waited with amused expectancy11.
"I asked you to meet me here because you all have a large interest in Allinson's and the Rain Bluff12 mine," Andrew began. "I thought it fit that you should hear why I have made some changes in our Canadian plans."
"It would be better not to confuse Allinson's with the mine," Leonard interposed. "The Rain Bluff is, of course, an independent company."
"No," said Andrew sternly; "in a very real sense that is not correct. The two must stand together. The Rain Bluff shares were largely taken up by the family and our customers. The mine cannot prove a failure without discrediting13 the firm which launched and tacitly guaranteed it. A pledge given by Allinson's must be redeemed14."
"That is obvious," Robert solemnly agreed.
"Andrew is begging the question in speaking of the mine as being guaranteed by the firm," Leonard persisted. "The shares were offered to the public on the inducements stated in the prospectus16."
"They were subscribed17 for because it was an Allinson venture; but we'll leave that point for a while. I feel[Pg 248] justified18 in asking your attention as Rain Bluff shareholders20—though I have learned that Leonard has lately reduced his holding."
Several of the others showed surprise and Leonard looked disconcerted, but Wannop broke into a deep chuckle21.
"I felt tempted22 to do the same, after what I learned at the Lake of Shadows," he remarked. "However, when I'd had a few words with Andrew I decided23 to hold on. Though he's carrying a good bit of my money, I felt he was worth backing."
"Well," said Andrew, "I was sent out to look into Canadian matters, and I have done so. The discoveries I made are by no means reassuring24."
He paused with a dry smile, and his listeners felt uncomfortable. He had not been sent out to investigate the mining operations, but to keep him out of harm. Leonard was conscious that he had made a mistake; Andrew had developed unsuspected capabilities25.
"A large proportion of the company's work is done by contract, and I found that newly arrived immigrants, ignorant of their rights, were mainly employed. They were badly fed, though in Canada the rudest laborers26 are given a generous diet, worse housed, paid less than standard wages, and cheated of part of their due. It is not by such means that Allinson's should make money."
"It is not," Robert firmly declared.
He was the last ally Andrew had looked for; but Robert had been thinking to some purpose. Leonard had deceived him about Mrs. Olcott; he had been led into conduct which savored27 of cruelty and which he regretted. Leonard having played false in one matter, might do so in another. Robert's faith in him had[Pg 249] been rudely shaken and he felt that the man must be watched.
"After all, we are not responsible for the evils Andrew mentions," Mrs. Fenwood broke in. "It must be the contractor28's fault."
"Responsibility," said Robert, "cannot be shuffled29 off, though what one may call the impersonal30 nature of a public company seems to make it easier. The money is yours and you expect to draw the dividends31. It is a pernicious idea that one may make a profit by investing in a company whose business is harmful, and go free from blame. I may say that I was once urged to apply for shares in a new brewery32 a little before they were put on the market, and I felt that I had done right in declining, though they went to a handsome premium33 shortly afterward34."
The tone in which he concluded suggested keen regret, and Wannop laughed.
"Andrew is probably mistaken in what he alleges," Leonard said.
"I'll give you a few figures." Andrew read from a notebook particulars of the wages paid by Mappin as compared with other contractors35. "I have seen the rest of the things; there can be no doubt about them. I presume Leonard was ignorant of the contractor's character and the methods he employs."
Andrew stopped, having scored a point. Leonard could not profess36 a knowledge of Mappin's doings, although to admit his ignorance of them was to acknowledge his antagonist's superiority.
"It seems that I have been somewhat mistaken about the man," he said.
"Now that you have been informed, you cannot feel that we ought still to entrust37 our work to him?"
[Pg 250]Wannop gave Andrew an approving smile, recognizing that he had taken a very judicious38 line. Leonard must respect the opinions of the others, and he knew that they would not sanction anything flagrantly unjust and discreditable.
"No," he conceded; "not in a general way. At the same time, sudden and severe changes should be avoided. The man is carrying out his duties efficiently39 and economically."
"I think not," said Andrew. "I'll have to tax your patience with some more figures. They show that we could do the work cheaper without wronging anybody we employ."
Opening his notebook, he supported his claim, and there was a brief silence when he had finished. Then Florence broke in angrily.
"As a shareholder19 in my own right, I am entitled to speak. Leonard was satisfied with the arrangements, and you all know his long experience and business ability. It's absurd that Andrew should presume to question what Leonard has done. His judgment40 cannot be as good."
"That is obvious," Mrs. Fenwood said.
Andrew realized that his relatives' prejudices had still to be reckoned with. In their eyes he was a rash beginner, liable to be misled.
"I spent some time on the spot, investigating things," he reminded them. "You have heard our contractor's charges, and I have given you the cost of cutting rock and supplying props41 at regulation wages. Is Leonard inclined to challenge the figures?"
"After all," said Leonard, "the subject is not of the first importance. It is more serious that you have taken upon yourself to reduce the output of the mine."
[Pg 251]"It is undoubtedly42 a grave matter. Unfortunately, there seems to be no prospect15 of the mine's paying."
The announcement caused some sensation, but while the others looked at him in surprise and concern, Leonard flushed.
"There is a risk in jumping to conclusions!" he said. "The all-round quality of the ore can only be proved by extensive working, and you must be aware that to increase the quantity of the output reduces the cost per ton!"
"That is a maxim43 which requires some thinking over," Wannop observed. "To begin with, I don't see how you can cut down the cost when you have a good deal of the work done by a contractor at a fixed44 price. Then if there's a loss on every ton, it puzzles an outsider like myself to understand how you expect to make a profit by producing a very large quantity."
"I'm afraid it would take me some time and trouble to explain the thing," Leonard said with a polished sneer45.
"There's no doubt you'd find it difficult," Wannop retorted.
"Are we to understand that there will be no dividends?" Mrs. Fenwood interposed, in alarm. "If so, I feel that I have been cruelly deceived. I was promised a handsome profit in the prospectus."
"I have much the same feeling," said Robert Allinson. "The matter is one of importance to me. My stipend46 is not large; the expenses which my work in this parish entails47 are heavy. I bought the shares because I expected they would pay."
"It's the usual reason for buying shares; but investors48 are disappointed now and then," Wannop said genially49.
[Pg 252]"You took a business hazard, Robert, as did Mrs. Fenwood," Leonard contended. "Even if our Canadian prospects50 were as bad as Andrew imagines, which I do not admit, you would have no grievance51."
"You're mistaken!" exclaimed Mrs. Fenwood. "I have heard that mining shares are risky52, but I had every reason to believe that Allinson's never took up anything that was not perfectly53 sound."
"That was true, until recently," Andrew said quietly, looking steadily54 at his brother-in-law. "I think I may say that it will again be the rule in the future."
Leonard smiled and turned to the others.
"I agree with Andrew, but I must suggest more caution on his part. After careful investigations55 in Canada, I made arrangements for the working of the new company. Everything promised well, there was no prospect of any difficulty, and I must confess to some astonishment56 when Andrew told me we were threatened by serious trouble. If he is right, I feel that he is to some extent responsible. In his inexperience, he has, I fear, acted with more zeal57 than discretion58."
"Is it seriously suggested that Andrew's inexperience has had some effect on the nature of the rock we are working?" Wannop inquired.
"After all," continued Leonard, "I think I may say that there is no cause for alarm. If the mining is proceeded with on the lines I laid down and no rash experiments are made, we shall no doubt presently reach excellent ore. I must deprecate the undertaking60 of any new ventures such as Andrew seems to have in view."
The listeners showed relief. One or two questions[Pg 253] were asked, and Leonard, feeling that he was getting the better of the situation, went on gravely.
"His favorite scheme, I understand, is the exploitation of a lode61 far to the north, which was discovered by a sawmill clerk twenty years ago; though in the place where he lives the thing is looked on as a delusion62 of the man's. Indeed, it is said that he is crazy on the subject. It strikes me as highly injudicious that the Company's capital should be wasted upon a search for imaginary minerals."
"I will engage that not a penny shall be unprofitably spent," said Andrew. "If the thing prove a failure, I will bear the expense."
"I feel that we are entitled to ask for a few particulars," he said.
"There we must disagree," Andrew replied. "If I am right about the lode, you and the other shareholders will be told all you wish to know; if I am wrong, the loss will be mine."
They were puzzled by his resolute64 air. He was placing himself at a disadvantage by refusing an explanation, but this did not seem to trouble him. He had all along adopted a strangely masterful tone, without a hint of doubt or hesitation65.
"I hardly think you are treating us fairly by keeping us in the dark," Robert protested.
Andrew smiled.
"Then I must ask your forbearance. I was given full authority as a director when I went to Canada, and I must try to use it as I think best for the shareholders' benefit. Moreover, it cannot be rescinded66 until the next general meeting of the Company. When that is[Pg 254] held, I shall be ready to give an account of what I have done."
"Then it looks as if we had been brought here for nothing," Mrs. Fenwood complained.
"Hardly so. You have learned that the mine cannot be profitably worked on the present system and that I am making changes which may improve the Company's prospects. You have had an opportunity for condemning67 my policy, which you have not done. I venture to believe you are reserving your judgment, which is all I can ask."
There was a pause for the next few moments. Andrew had changed his tone to one of grave appeal, and as he leaned back, waiting, with the light of the candles on his face, it struck one or two of them that he looked very much like his father, who had retrieved68 and added to the fortunes of the firm. Robert glanced at him in frank sympathy, which touched Andrew, for he had not expected it. Then Leonard broke the silence.
"Andrew is asking you to trust him with extensive powers; in fact, he demands something of the nature of a blank check, without explaining what use he means to make of it. I willingly admit that the position he holds by right is a strong one, and we have no direct means of restraining him; his interest in the firm gives him more authority than any of us individually holds. For all that, it must be remembered that he could not stand against the unanimous family vote, and I have no doubt he will agree that you are now called upon to act as a kind of informal jury. Whatever course you decide on the directors must adopt. Your position is accordingly a serious and important one. Andrew is young and inexperienced;[Pg 255] the affairs of a Company like the Rain Bluff demand careful and skilful69 handling."
"Leonard has stated the situation fairly. I have nothing to add," Andrew said quietly.
His relatives hesitated, looking irresolute70, with the exception of Florence and Mrs. Fenwood, who regarded Andrew with distrustful severity. After a few moments Wannop addressed them.
"My suggestion is that we do nothing at present, but wait, as Andrew asks, until a meeting of the shareholders is held, when he must give a full account of his plans. Then we will see our course more clearly; but if he finds he can take us into his confidence sooner, so much the better."
Florence and Mrs. Fenwood dissented71, but the others acquiesced72, including Leonard, who knew how far it was prudent73 to go, and the party broke up. Andrew, however, remained in his place, and Leonard lingered to light a cigarette.
"I must congratulate you," he said. "You handled the thing better than one could have anticipated. I suppose you are going back shortly, to look for the lode?"
"I am going back. I cannot tell you what I shall do until I arrive."
"You're not disposed to be confidential75, but I won't complain of that." He added quietly: "Be careful, Andrew; it's easy to make trouble, and hard to put it right. You haven't accomplished76 much yet, and there are serious difficulties ahead."
"That's true," admitted Andrew with a direct glance. "I am, however, not making trouble. It's all round me and must be grappled with."
[Pg 256]"Then I wish you luck," said Leonard, and went out.
Andrew lighted a cigar; he deeply distrusted Leonard, whose confederate, perhaps with his knowledge, had plotted to starve him to death; it was irksome that he should be forced to treat the man as an honored guest. Of late he had been subject to fits of savage77 anger as he remembered how his attempt to find the lode was thwarted78. So far as it was possible, he must play out the game correctly in accordance with conventional rules. His relatives would insist on this; an outbreak would shock them and cost him their support. Nevertheless, it was hard to dissemble and treat Leonard courteously79.
Flinging his cigar into the grate, Andrew rose with a frown. His brother-in-law was right: there was trouble ahead. He had not only Leonard but the unscrupulous Mappin to grapple with.
[Pg 257]
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1
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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preoccupied
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| adj.全神贯注的，入神的；被抢先占有的；心事重重的v.占据（某人）思想，使对…全神贯注，使专心于( preoccupy的过去式) | |
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dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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bully
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| n.恃强欺弱者，小流氓；vt.威胁，欺侮 | |
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docilely
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| adv.容易教地，易驾驶地，驯服地 | |
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sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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discredit
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| vt.使不可置信；n.丧失信义；不信，怀疑 | |
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expectancy
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| n.期望，预期，（根据概率统计求得）预期数额 | |
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bluff
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| v.虚张声势，用假象骗人；n.虚张声势，欺骗 | |
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discrediting
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| 使不相信( discredit的现在分词 )； 使怀疑； 败坏…的名声； 拒绝相信 | |
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redeemed
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| adj. 可赎回的，可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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prospectus
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| n.计划书；说明书；慕股书 | |
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subscribed
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| v.捐助( subscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；签署，题词；订阅；同意 | |
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justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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shareholder
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| n.股东，股票持有人 | |
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shareholders
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| n.股东( shareholder的名词复数 ) | |
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chuckle
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| vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑 | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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reassuring
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| a.使人消除恐惧和疑虑的，使人放心的 | |
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capabilities
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| n.能力( capability的名词复数 )；可能；容量；[复数]潜在能力 | |
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laborers
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| n.体力劳动者，工人( laborer的名词复数 )；（熟练工人的）辅助工 | |
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savored
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| v.意味，带有…的性质( savor的过去式和过去分词 )；给…加调味品；使有风味；品尝 | |
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contractor
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| n.订约人，承包人，收缩肌 | |
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shuffled
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| v.洗（纸牌）( shuffle的过去式和过去分词 )；拖着脚步走；粗心地做；摆脱尘世的烦恼 | |
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impersonal
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| adj.无个人感情的，与个人无关的，非人称的 | |
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dividends
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| 红利( dividend的名词复数 )； 股息； 被除数； （足球彩票的）彩金 | |
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brewery
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| n.啤酒厂 | |
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premium
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| n.加付款；赠品；adj.高级的；售价高的 | |
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afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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contractors
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| n.（建筑、监造中的）承包人( contractor的名词复数 ) | |
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profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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entrust
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| v.信赖，信托，交托 | |
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judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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efficiently
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| adv.高效率地，有能力地 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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props
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| 小道具； 支柱( prop的名词复数 )； 支持者； 道具； （橄榄球中的）支柱前锋 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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maxim
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| n.格言，箴言 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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stipend
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| n.薪贴；奖学金；养老金 | |
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entails
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| 使…成为必要( entail的第三人称单数 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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investors
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| n.投资者，出资者( investor的名词复数 ) | |
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genially
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| adv.亲切地，和蔼地；快活地 | |
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50
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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51
grievance
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| n.怨愤，气恼，委屈 | |
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52
risky
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| adj.有风险的，冒险的 | |
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53
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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54
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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55
investigations
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| （正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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61
lode
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| n.矿脉 | |
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delusion
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| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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66
rescinded
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| v.废除，取消( rescind的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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condemning
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| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
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retrieved
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| v.取回( retrieve的过去式和过去分词 )；恢复；寻回；检索（储存的信息） | |
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skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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irresolute
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| adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的 | |
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dissented
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| 不同意，持异议( dissent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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acquiesced
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| v.默认，默许( acquiesce的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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winced
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| 赶紧避开，畏缩( wince的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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