"Either you or I will tell the underwriters that the scheme goes no further until a month from date—until May 3rd. Which is it to be—you or I?"
Sylvester came in rapidly. "All your orders are being carried out, and the car's on the way here from the garage."
For a few tense moments Larssen hesitated. The underwriting of the five-million issue was an absolute essential to a successful flotation, and the negotiations were not yet completed. If Matheson were to interfere in them during his absence from London, big difficulties might develop. Before that cablegram arrived, the shipowner could have beaten down any such threat on Matheson's part, but now, with his little son calling for his presence, with the special train at Paddington coupling up to speed him to Plymouth, with the "Aurelia" turning back, against the protest of its thousand passengers, to take him on board, the situation was radically changed.
Matheson had realised the altered situation, and putting aside any over-fine scruples, had gripped advantage from it.
Larssen's eyes blazed anger at the financier. Then he held out his hand to Olive.
"Good-bye!" he said.
"Good-bye!" she answered, taking his hand.
"You or I?" repeated Matheson.
The shipowner turned at the door through which he was hurrying out.
"I," he conceded.