“Good morning, Mr Wrigley. Well, Jessop, you here?”
The latter gentleman nodded, and Sturgess, who had his arm in a sling, stood close behind him.
“I have been telling the men, Mr Reed, that in consonance with the resolution passed at the board yesterday—”
“In my absence, Mr Wrigley.”
“You had the proper notices, sir,” said the lawyer coldly. “I say in accordance with the resolution passed yesterday, it was determined, in the interests of the ‘White Virgin Mine,’ to have a complete change of management.”
“Indeed!” said Clive. “But I, as the greatest shareholder, object.”
“You cannot, sir. I and my friends are greater shareholders, and have the majority with us. Out of respect to your late father’s memory we have made a concession to your brother.”
“Jessop!” cried Clive.
“Yes, sir. You will give up everything into his hands, for he will reside here and take the management, helped and counselled by Mr Sturgess, who now becomes co-manager of the property.”
“And I?” said Clive, who was perfectly aghast at the petard sprung beneath his feet.