Then he read:
'DEAR SIR,
'You have doubtless seen the article in the _Financial Field_ of this
morning, referring to the Canadian Mica Mining Company. We should be
pleased to know what action you intend to take in the matter. We may
say that, in justice to our reputation, we can no longer represent
your company unless a suit is brought against the paper which contains
the article.
'Yours truly,
'W. HAWK.'
Wentworth laughed with a certain bitterness.
'Well,' he said, 'if it has come to such a pass that Hawk fears for his
reputation, the sooner we begin a libel suit against the paper the
better!'
'Perhaps,' said John, with a look of agony on his face, 'you will tell me
where the money is to come from. The moment we get into the Law Courts
money will simply flow like water, and doubtless the _Financial Field_
has plenty of it. It will add to their reputation, and they will make a
boast that they are fighting the battle of the investor in London.
Everything is grist that comes to their mill. Meanwhile, we shall be
paying out money, or we shall be at a tremendous disadvantage, and the
result of it all will probably be a disagreement of the jury and
practical ruin for us. You see, I have no witnesses.'
'Yes, but what about the mine? How can we go on without vindicating
ourselves?'
Before anything further could be said, young Mr. Longworth came in,
looking as cool, calm, and unruffled as if there were no such things in
the world as financial newspapers.
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