"I suppose this means you don't want to take him," Staffer suggested. "Let's be frank."
"Then you are anxious that he should go?"
"For one thing, it looks as if you had rather held Dick off lately. This is against our plans. Then, if Dick's away, Andrew and his American friend will leave. It would be safer not to have them about."
"Your last reason's good; in fact, it's better than the other," Williamson said dryly. "I'm going to take no further part in exploiting Dick."
"That resolve will cost you something. What has led you to make it?"
"The thing is getting dangerous. We can't afford to run an unnecessary risk, you know."
"That's true, but I don't see where the danger lies."
Williamson pondered. He had acted as Staffer's tool in leading Dick into extravagance; but Staffer had not been straight with him. Besides, if he now explained that Mackellar was suspicious, it would look as if he had turned against his confederate and tried to make terms with the bank agent.
"Dick has friends who would carefully investigate matters if he had to admit his debts, and they might find out enough to cause us trouble. Then, we're engaged in another business of first importance that can't be neglected while we make plans for our private benefit. If we fail, the consequences would be unpleasant--to say the least."
Staffer laughed. Williamson wished he could see his face, for his amusement had a hint of a threat.
"Remarkably unpleasant! As it happens, you haven't met with much success of late. Another man whom I needn't mention brought off the last big stroke."
"It was not my fault; things have been dead against me, as you know."
"So it seems! But our employers expect results, not excuses." Staffer paused and resumed: "As you have been unlucky, I thought you might find some advantage in helping me with Dick."
Williamson saw that Staffer's remarks were connected. He was being warned, and asked to think over his refusal; but he stood his ground.
"The advantage doesn't counterbalance the danger," he said.
"Well, I suppose that is for you to decide. Perhaps you are wise in concentrating on your particular business. Our employers are liberal when they're served well, but not as a rule indulgent when a post is unsatisfactorily filled."