"It looks as if you mean to force a quarrel," he said.
"In a sense, you're right. We can't go on as we have been doing."
"Very well. What do you suggest?"
"In the first place, I ask for your resignation from the Rain Bluff Board. That shouldn't be difficult; you have been selling your shares."
Leonard considered for a minute.
"I might agree. Three of the directors must retire, and the Company isn't likely to prosper if you get control."
"I understand your reasons. The concern has got into trouble, for which I'm to be held responsible, and you clear out because you find it impossible to curb my recklessness. You expect to save your credit in that way."
"Have it so, if you like," said Leonard coolly.
His answer convinced Andrew that Leonard did not know of the richness of the lode. Andrew thought he had honestly disbelieved in it, and Mappin, who had informed him of its discovery, which had not yet been widely mentioned in the Canadian papers, might not have made him understand its importance. Indeed, it was possible that Mappin meant to throw over his English confederate.
"I have another demand to make. I want your consent to a dissolution of your partnership in Allinson's."