"To the Deluge!" said Paul; and he turned his head slowly to where Hugh stood, holding the pen in one hand and rapping the table with the knuckles of the other. "Rather unnecessary. We're already under water."
The passion in Hugh Ritson's face dropped to a look of sullen anger. But he mastered his voice, and said quietly:
"The engineer from Crewe is waiting for me at the pit. I have wasted the whole morning over these formalities. Come, come, let us have done. Mr. Bonnithorne will witness the signature."
Paul had not shifted his steadfast gaze from his brother's face. Hugh dodged his glance at first, and then met it with an expression of audacity.
Still holding the parchment before him, Paul said quietly:
"To-night I leave home for London, and shall be absent four days. Can this business wait until my return?"
"No, it can't," said Hugh with emphasis.
Paul dropped his voice.
"Don't take that tone with me, I warn you. Can this business wait?"
"I mean what I say—it can not."