“The fact that you sold out so soon before the fall will have its significance,” said the first man.  “The thing has a suspicious look.”

“I must risk a certain amount of misconception,” Herbert replied languidly.  “I may as well point out that I still hold the shares required as a director’s qualification, which is all it was necessary for me to do.  Was it your intention to keep the stock you hold permanently?”

They could not answer him, and he smiled.

“As a matter of fact, we all intended to sell off a good portion as soon as the premium justified it; the only difference of opinion was about the point it must reach, and that, of course, was a matter of temperament.  Well, I was lucky enough to get rid of part of my stock at a profit; and there was nothing to prevent your doing the same.  Instead of that, you held on until the drop came; it was an imprudence for which you can’t blame me.”

“Our complaint is that you foresaw the fall and never said a word.”

“Granted.  Why didn’t you foresee it?  You had the right of access to all the information in my hands; you could inspect accounts in the London office; I suppose you read the financial papers.  It would have been presumptuous if I’d recommended you to sell, and my forecast might have proved incorrect.  In that case you would have blamed me for losing your money.”

This was incontestable.  Though they knew he had betrayed them, Lansing’s position was too strong to be assailed.

“You might have mentioned that you contemplated retiring from the board,” one remarked.  “Then we would have known what to expect.”

“A little reflection will show the futility of your suggestion.  How could I contemplate being run over by a motor-car?”

“Well,” said the second man in a grim tone, “you can’t deny the accident was in some respects a fortunate one for you.”

“I’m doubtful whether you would have appreciated it, in my place.  But you don’t seem to realize that I’m withdrawing from the board because I’m incapacitated for the duties.”

Then the nurse, to whom Herbert had given a hint, came in; and he made a sign of resignation, quite as though overpowered by regret.

“I’m sorry I’m not allowed to talk very much yet.  Will you have a cigar and some refreshment before you leave?”

His visitors rose, and one of them turned to him with a curious expression.

“No, thanks,” he said pointedly.  “Considering everything, I don’t think we’ll give you the trouble.”

With a few conventional words they withdrew, and Herbert smiled at the nurse.

“I believe Dr. Ballin was most concerned about the injury to my nerves,” he said.  “Have you noticed anything wrong with them?”

“Not lately.  They seem to be in a normal state.”

“That,” said Herbert, “is my own opinion.  You wouldn’t imagine that I had just finished a rather trying interview?”