"Here I am, Ashley. What do you want? More witnesses, more reports, what is it?"
"It's not the Commission at all."
"Take a cigar and tell me what it is."
Ashley obeyed and began to smoke quickly; he stood now, while Bowdon dropped into a chair.
"In about a month I shall have seven hundred pounds coming in," said Ashley. "Just now I've only a hundred at the bank."
"Present economy and the prospect of future recompense," said Bowdon, smiling.
"I want five hundred now, to-day. They'll give it me at the bank if I get another name. Will you—?"
"I won't give you my name, but I'll lend you five hundred."
Ashley looked down at him. "Thank you," he said. "Do you trust your servant?"
"More than you, Ashley, and I'm lending you five hundred."