It would look as if any trouble that might fall upon the concern was the result of his having been forced to relinquish control, and nobody could rationally blame him for being run over.
He was lying in a sunny room one afternoon when two gentlemen were shown in.

One was the caller with whom he had an interview in his office before the accident.

They inquired about his progress with rather forced courtesy; and then one of them said: "We looked in on the doctor who wrote to us about your injury before we came here, and he told us you were strong enough for a little quiet conversation.

We haven't appointed another director yet." "Then you had better do so," Herbert advised.
"You mean to stick to your withdrawal?
You're the only person who can pull the company out of its difficulties." "Has it got into any difficulties ?" Herbert inquired.

"You see, I've been compelled to give orders for all correspondence to be dealt with at the London office, and I'm advised not to read the financial papers or anything that might have a disturbing effect." The man who had not yet spoken betrayed some impatience.
"We're up to the eyes in trouble, as you must have guessed.