"Our opinion is that it would be well worth while," Irvine said dryly.
"Suppose I refuse to go? How do you propose to turn me out?"
"We'll apply for the necessary powers," Mackellar answered.
"Do you mind telling me what grounds you mean to urge?"
Mackellar sorted the papers in his hand, and Andrew marked his quiet deliberation. Indeed, in spite of a certain feeling of tension, the proceedings had, so far, been characterized by a curious calm. Perhaps this was because three of the actors were Scotch; but Andrew felt that the calm was deceptive. The situation had strong dramatic force.
"I cannot see why ye should not know," Mackellar replied. "I would begin by proving undue and dangerous influence on a young man of extravagant habits who had been placed in your charge."
"Can you prove it?"
"Weel, these figures relating to money lent and bills discounted, would go some length, particularly when it was shown that ye concealed the part ye took by acting through agents."
He read out particulars of the money borrowed, with the high rate of interest charged, and traced the transactions back to Staffer through other hands. It was a telling accusation and Andrew thought Staffer was surprised and alarmed by Mackellar's knowledge.
"I'm not sure that we could not establish a charge o' conspiracy," Mackellar concluded.