It is a very serious matter, and I thought it best to speak to you about it before talking to my father.

You see, though the loss might fall on us, indirectly, the moral responsibility is yours, since you are the lawyers in the case." "But your father is one of the executors, Mr.Barker," said Mr.Screw, who felt obliged to say something, and wanted to gain time.
"My father--yes," and Barker smiled disagreeably.

"Yes, he is one of the executors.

But you yourself are the other, Mr.Screw.And as far as any intelligence in the matter is concerned, you might be alone." Barker was willing to flatter the lawyer at the expense of his fond parent.
Screw would be of more use to him than many fathers in this matter.

Mr.
Screw relapsed into silence, and sat for some minutes, hooking one leg behind the other, and thrusting as much of his hands into his pockets as those receptacles would contain.