CHAPTER XXII. BANK OFFICIALS IN COUNCIL.
Mr. Graves was at home, but he was not alone. Mr. Courtney had dropped in, and as he was still a director of the bank, it was natural that the conversation should turn upon affairs of the bank in which he and Mr. Graves had a common interest. Though no longer president, Mr. Courtney was still anxious to control the affairs of the bank, and to make it of as much service to himself as possible. He had recently become interested in certain speculative securities, through a firm of Wall Street brokers, and finding himself rather cramped for money, desired to obtain a loan on them from the bank. To this end he had sought a preliminary interview with Mr. Graves, previous to making a formal application to the full board of directors.
"You are aware, Mr. Courtney," said the president, "that to grant your request would be contrary to the general usage of the bank."
"I ought to know the usage of the bank, having served as president for three years," said Mr. Courtney. "In my time such loans were made."
Mr. Graves was aware of this, but he was also aware that such loans had been made on the former president's sole authority, and either to himself or some one of his friends, and that it was on account of this very circumstance that he had been removed from office.
"I know that such loans were made, but I am equally certain that such a course would not meet the approval of the directors."
"But," insinuated Mr. Courtney, "if you openly favored it, and my vote as director was given, we could probably influence enough other votes to accomplish our object."
"I cannot say whether this would or would not follow," said Mr. Graves, "but I am bound to say for myself that I cannot recommend, or vote for, granting such a loan."
"Perhaps you think I am not responsible," said Mr. Courtney, irritated.