Andrew thought Staffer looked puzzled, as if he suspected the other of knowing more than he did himself.
"Well, is it your intention to dispute my claim or disown Dick's debts?"
Mackellar took up a paper.
"No' at all. Here's a memorandum of our terms, which ye would be wise in agreeing to. I'll read them out."
Staffer smiled.
"Then if threats prove useless, you mean to bribe me to go! Very well. Give me another three months here, and I'll accept."
"Our offer is made on the understanding that you leave at once."
"Then I'm afraid you'll have to turn me out—and you may find it rather hard. But you haven't answered a point I raised. Suppose Dick takes my side and insists upon my staying?"
"Our being executors would warrant our interference; and there's another party on whose behalf we could make a plea. Mr. Andrew Johnstone could claim the protection o' his interest as the next heir, on the grounds o' the direct inheritor's dangerous health."
"Would you urge this in court?"