“Yes, but you were in possession.”
“I was, sir, but a majority of the shareholders decided that my management was bad, and appointed another man, so I am bound to give up.”
“But not without a struggle.”
“I am going to struggle, sir, but carefully. I cannot afford to fight against what is partly my own property.”
“But you had a great number of shares, my dear boy.”
“I did hold nearly half, sir, and I felt it my duty to help friends who had lost, and—”
“You have ruined yourself to help me!” cried the Major passionately.
“Nonsense! there is no question of ruin in this case, sir. It is only a business of the management. I ought to have known that my brother would never sit down quietly under his disappointment; but I never thought he would be partner in such a scheme as this.”
“Then you think it was your brother who was the man that set the rumour afloat?” cried the Major.
“From his connection with, and knowledge of stocks, I now feel convinced it was.”