"I am heartily opposed to their acceptance. It is absurd to suppose that Barraclough is unequal to the task we have set him."
"Against?" queried Mr. Torrington.
"Emphatically against."
When it came to Almont's turn to vote his distress of mind was pathetic. He stood alternatively on one leg and the other. He spoke of "Jolly old public school traditions." He "doubted if the dear old sportsman could endure the idea of being protected at such a cost."
"No, damn it all," he concluded. "Why should we split the prize?"
"We can't juggle with men's lives," urged Cranbourne.
"It's insanity to wilt at the last moment," said Cassis.
Up went Lord Almont's hand.
"I vote against," he said.
Rather piteously Cranbourne appealed to his chief. As Chairman of the board Hilbert Torrington's vote counted as two.