“You understand the position, of course, Mr. Laverick, if you fail to do so?” the manager remarked gravely.
“Naturally,” Laverick answered. “I am quite aware of the fact that Morrison acted on behalf of the firm and that I am responsible for his transactions. He has plunged pretty deeply, though, a great deal more deeply than our capital warranted. I may add that I had not the slightest idea as to the extent of his dealings.”
The bank manager adopted a sympathetic but serious attitude.
“Twenty thousand pounds,” he declared, “is a great deal of money, Mr. Laverick.”
“It is a great deal of money,” Laverick admitted. “I am here to ask you to lend it to me.”
The bank manager raised his eyebrows.
“My dear Mr. Laverick!” he exclaimed reproachfully.
“Upon unimpeachable security,” Laverick continued. The bank manager was conscious that he had allowed a little start of surprise to escape him, and bit his lip with annoyance. It was entirely contrary to his tenets to display at any time during office hours any sort of emotion.
“Unimpeachable security,” he repeated. “Of course, if you have that to offer, Mr. Laverick, although the sum is a large one, it is our business to see what we can do for you.”
“My security is of the best,” Laverick declared grimly. “I have bank-notes here, Mr. Fenwick, for twenty thousand pounds.”