The man had no scruples and no illusions; money well employed would buy him standing and friends.
People were charitable to a man who had something to offer them; and the blot on his name must be nearly forgotten.
First of all, however, the richest spot of the oil field must be found, and money enough raised to place him in a strong position when the venture was put on the market.

He had failed to extort any from Challoner; but he might be more successful with his son.

The man who was weak enough to allow his cousin to suffer for his fault would no doubt yield to judicious pressure.

It was fortunate that Bertram Challoner was coming to England, where he could more easily be reached.
This led Clarke to think of Blake, for he realized that Challoner was right in pointing out that the man was his greatest difficulty.

If Blake maintained that the fault was his, nothing could be done; it was therefore desirable that he should be kept out of the way.