Gresham: Baldwin, why do you look cross?
Baldwin: Ask your conscience.
Gresham: Well, my conscience is clear. What is wrong with you?
Baldwin: I found out that you are siphoning small negligible changes to your own account. Now it amounts to a few hundred thousand dollars as none of the depositors have noticed the disappearance of small changes.
Gresham: Well, none of the depositors would lose a cent. I have transferred it in some investment. I have got ten fold gains. Now we shall quietly transfer the amount in their own accounts. No one will ever come to know of it.
Baldwin: Is it not a breach of trust? I’m not going to keep quiet about this.
Gresham: What do you want to do?
Baldwin: Close the bank and make good the loss to all the depositors. (After a few days)
Gresham: Well, Baldwin I have closed the bank. Third National is going to do the reorganisation. Now I want you to say three words.
Baldwin: What?
Gresham: “I don’t remember” When you are cross examined on vital statistics for which you would require references.
Baldwin: How does that absolve you of your crime. Gresham: Don’t you know the fact that I’ve earned enough money and no depositor will lose a cent. It is just a technicality.
Baldwin: What do you mean?
Gresham: Well, I will give you one hundred thousand dollars for letting me off the hook. I just want you to say “I don’t remember”
Baldwin: Already you have used the funds of depositors. You want them to become paupers? Gresham: Baldwin, you frustrate me. Look here. This is hot cash from my own private fortune. Baldwin, why don’t you say something?
Baldwin: You have known me for more than 35 years. Gresham: You are silent. Say yes or no. I know you have been an upright man all through your life. The offer is final.
Baldwin: You have one option Gresham. We will meet in the court. You can confess. For God’s sake don’t force me to say anything now. I am disturbed. Gresham: Why do you think it is a bribe or a bait. It is the difference in your salary, the salary you have received and what you should have got all these years. Baldwin: As long as you are honest, I will be loyal to you Gresham. When you part with loyalty, we would part ways. The matter is closed.
