XVII
THE BUSINESS OF A LOVER
Jack's first care, after his mother had left him, was to dispatch a messenger to May with his note.
Then he set out in search of Dr. Wilson. After a little hunting he discovered the latter lunching at the club. Jack came straight to his business without any beating about the bush.
"Wilson," he said, "I've come on an extraordinary errand. I want you to lend me $6000 on the spot."
The other whistled, and then chuckled as was his good-humored wont.
"That's a good round sum," he answered.
"I know that a deuced sight better than you do," Neligage returned. "I've had more experience in wanting money. I'm in a hole, and I ask you to help me out of it. Of course I'm taking a deal of advantage of your good nature yesterday; and you may do as you like about letting me have the money. All the security I can give is to turn over to you the income of the few stocks I have. They 're all in the hands of trustees. My father left'em so."
"Gad, he knew his son," was the characteristic comment.