Even the
Colonel, though an outsider, felt himself disagreeably impressed by
Travers' new bearing, and the good-natured banter which he had held in
readiness for the new arrival died away on his lips as he responded to
the cold, formal bow. For some minutes no one spoke. Travers was busy
arranging some papers which he had brought with him, and only when he
had laid these out to his satisfaction did he rise to address the
meeting. He held himself stiffly erect, his fingers resting lightly on
the table, his pale face turned toward the window as though he wished
to avoid addressing any one directly. The usual geniality was lacking
in his composed features.
"Colonel Carmichael and honorable share-holders in the Marut Diamond
Company," he began, "you are no doubt wondering why I have called this
private meeting. I do so because you are the chief partakers in the
concern, and because, as my friends, I wish to offer you an
explanation which I do not feel bound to offer to the other
share-holders within and without Marut. This excuse does not hold good
for you, Colonel Carmichael, and you must feel I am encroaching
heavily on your valuable time. Nevertheless, I assure you that your
presence will assist me considerably in my difficult task."
"I am sure I shall be delighted to do anything in my power," Colonel
Carmichael responded, "but I fear my knowledge of intricate business
details is not such as to make it of the slightest use to you.
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