Q. Is there any necessary
formality before making this
donation?
A. Yes; I am to accept a
certain number of qualifying
shares in the company obtaining
the advantage of my
directorial services.
Q. Need you pay for these
shares?
A. With proper manipulation,
certainly not.
Q. What other advantages
would you secure by becoming
a Director?
A. A guinea an attendance.
Q. Anything else?
A. A glass of sherry and a
sandwich.
Q. What are your duties at
a Board Meeting?
A. To shake hands with the
Secretary, and to sign an
attendance book.
Q. What are your nominal
duties?
A. Have not the faintest
idea.
Q. Would it be right to
include in your nominal duties
the protection of the interests
of the shareholders?
A. As likely as not.
Q. Would it be overstating
the case to say that thousands
and thousands of needy persons
are absolutely ruined by the
selfish inattention of a company's
direction?
A. Not at all—possibly understating
it.
Q. I suppose you never read
a prospectus to which you put
your name?
A. Never.
Q. Nor willingly wish to
ruin any one?
A. No; why should I?
Q. You are guilty of gross
ignorance and brutal indifference?
A. Quite so.
Q. And consequently know
that, according to the view of
the Judges, you are above the
law?
A. That is so.
Q. And may therefore do
what you like, without any
danger to your own interests?
A. To be sure.
Q. And consequently will
do what you best please, in
spite of anything, and anybody?
