nce you refused to let me
help, I didn't mean to be persuaded by Ellen Seaton!"

"You're staunch," said Cartwright and Mrs. Cartwright resumed her
knitting. In the morning he went to the office sooner than usual, but
there was no news and the dark, cold day passed drearily. When he
started for home Gavin promised to wait until the cable offices closed,
and Cartwright had gone to dinner when he was called to the telephone.
When he took down the instrument his hand shook.

"Hallo!" he said hoarsely. "Is that you, Gavin?"

"Yes, sir," said a voice he knew. "Cablegram from Davies just arrived,
part in code. I'll give it you slow--"

"Go on," said Cartwright.

"_Oreana_ ashore east Cape Chat, surrounded ice, water in fore hold.
Think some plates broken; have abandoned ship. Salvage impossible until
ice breaks."

There was a pause, and Gavin added: "That's all. Have you got it, sir?"

"I've got enough," Cartwright replied.

He hung up the instrument, and going back to the dining-room, drained
his glass. Then he turned to Mrs. Cartwright, who had remarked his grim
look.

"I've got a nasty knock. _Oreana's_ in the ice and may be wrecked.
Anyhow, we can't get her off until spring, and she's the best of the
fleet."

Mrs. Cartwright gave him a sympathetic glance and signed a servant to
bring another plate. As a rule she did not say much. She studied her
husband quietly and was not much comforted when he resumed his dinner.
This was characteristic, but it was plain he had got a nasty knock.

CHAPTER VII

THE SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

The afternoon was dark and electric lights burned along the cornice of
the room engaged for the shareholders' meeting. The room was big and
cold, and as Gavin moved about the table on the platform his steps
echoed hollowly. He was the company's secretary and was putting down
papers by the blotting pads. A group of gentlemen, engaged in thoughtful
talk, stood by the fire. They were directors of the line and did not
look happy. Nominally, by the company's constitution, the shareholders
elected the Board; in practice, Cartwright had, so far, appointed the
directors, and meant, if possible, to do so again. The gentlemen by the
fire were eligible for reelection, and Cartwright was satisfied,
although he had not chosen them for their business talent. Their names
were good in Liverpool and their honesty was known. Cartwright did not
want clever men. He was head of the house and knew it would