"If we were forced," Mackellar said dryly.
Staffer's self-control gave way and he turned to Andrew with a savage, sneering laugh.
"So you are responsible for the extraordinary line these gentlemen have taken! You have been counting on your cousin's death!"
Andrew flushed.
"As you well know, I came home from Canada to take care of him. Still, I agree with the executors. If you can still persuade Dick to believe in you, he must be saved in spite of himself."
Staffer gave him a curious look. It was plain that Andrew was his most troublesome antagonist. There was something in Staffer's expression that disturbed the others.
"Very well," he said. "You must do what you think fit. I shall remain at Appleyard."
He rose, as if to intimate that there was no more to be said; and Andrew accompanied the others to the car that was waiting at the door, and afterward found Whitney and told him what they had done.
"You'll have to be careful, partner," Whitney cautioned. "He might be dangerous now."
"Well," Andrew replied thoughtfully, "I must try to avoid risks. But we must get down the Firth, to-night, and you'd better bring the motorcycle round as soon as you can."