It was on this same day while Jadwin, pressed for money, was leaving no stone unturned to secure ready cash, that he came across old Hargus in his usual place in Gretry’s customers’ room, reading a two days old newspaper. Of a sudden an idea occurred to Jadwin. He took the old man aside. “Hargus,” he said, “do you want a good investment for your money, that money I turned over to you? I can give you a better rate than the bank, and pretty good security. Let me have about a hundred thousand at⁠—oh, ten percent.”

“Hey⁠—what?” asked the old fellow querulously. Jadwin repeated his request.

But Hargus cast a suspicious glance at him and drew away.

“I⁠—I don’t lend my money,” he observed.

“Why⁠—you old fool,” exclaimed Jadwin. “Here, is it more interest you want? Why, we’ll say fifteen percent, if you like.”