These few simple words showed the struggling young merchant a way out of all his difficulties.
His heart leaped so, he dared not reply, lest he should excite the old gentleman's suspicions.
But ere he could well draw his breath for joy, came a freezer.
"Mr. Burtenshaw, sir."
"Bid him wait," said Arthur, aloud, and cast a look of great anxiety on Penfold, which the poor old man, with all his simplicity, comprehended well enough.
"Burtenshaw, from Morland's. What does he want of us?" said Wardlaw senior, knitting his brows.
Arthur turned cold all over. "Perhaps to ask me not to draw out my balance. It is less than usual; but they are run upon; and, as you are good enough to let me draw on you— By the by, perhaps you will sign a check before you go to the station."
"How much do you want?"
"I really don't know, till I have consulted Penfold. The gold was a large and advantageous purchase, sir."
"No doubt; no doubt. I'll give you my signature, and you can fill in the amount."