"Because I happen to know his solicitor. As honest a man as ever breathed; and that is more than Michael Benning could be accused of."
"Perhaps Mr. Mortomley has quarrelled with his honest solicitor," suggested Mr. Swanland; a sneer lurking in his tone. "Travellers on the road to ruin are very apt to quarrel with their best friends. However, let that be as it may, I have nothing to do with creditor or debtor, save to hold the scales even between them. If we do our work conscientiously and impartially, I cannot see what it matters to us how much finessing there may be on the part of others."
"Unless we are placed in a false position in consequence," observed Mr. Asherill.
"I will take care of that," said the junior, rash and over-confident as even middle-aged youth is sometimes prone to be.
"Another thing," commenced Mr. Asherill. "You know how resolutely I always set my face against having to do anything with the affairs of gentlemen."
"I am aware of your prejudices," was the reply; "we have lost a considerable amount of valuable business in consequence."
"We need not argue that point now," said Mr. Asherill.
"Certainly not, seeing this Mr. Mortomley is a colour maker."
"And what else?" asked Mr. Asherill.
"I have not an idea," replied Mr. Swanland, looking at his partner with some curiosity.