"Was Kendrick able to sign the check to Nelson?" asked Coleman, coming abruptly to the matter of business.
I explained, as diplomatically as I was able, the arrangement my client had made.
"Well, then," said Nelson, "it is very easily settled. All you have to do is to indorse the check over to me." And he looked at me with the self-satisfied air of the business man whose word is law to his employees.
The calm assumption that I was to be eliminated from the proceedings without so much as saying "by your leave," roused my combative instincts, and it was only by drawing a firm rein on my temper that I was able to reply calmly:
"I do not think I am justified by my instructions to take such a step."
"What do you propose to do, then?" asked Partridge shortly.
The tone in which the question was put added fire to my resentment, and I replied with emphasis:
"I shall be guided by the wishes of my client, and where he has not expressed a wish, I shall follow my own judgment."
Partridge and Nelson looked at each other.
"I think I shall go and see Kendrick," said Partridge.