"That I should never in the world be able to pay for it, for the two houses which constitute my fortune are mortgaged...."
Eguiburu became terribly pale.
"You could not mortgage them because I have your endorsement for an obligation: the mortgage is null."
"They were mortgaged long before the endorsement."
The banker passed his hand over his forehead in despair; then straightening up quickly, and giving Rivera a crushing look, he stammered—
"Tha-that is ... a p-piece of rascality.... I will have you up in c-court as a swindler."
Miguel burst into a laugh, and laying his hand familiarly on the man's shoulder, he said:—
"That gave you a good scare, didn't it? Now I am somewhat repaid for the one that you just gave me."
"But what the deuce does this mean?..."
"Calm yourself; my houses are not mortgaged. You will have the pleasure of ruining me on the day least expected," replied the young man, with bitter irony.