"We haven't time to run a debating club," said Nelson, a little huffed by my strategic move in securing the checks. "We have consented to the loan for excellent reasons. Mr. Bolton's failure would be certain to start the panic we have been staving off for two days."
"Very true. But Mr. Bolton is unduly anxious. He is in no more danger of failing than the Bank of California."
Peter Bolton turned on me with suppressed anger glowing in his eyes, and drew down the corners of his mouth in a sarcastic snarl.
"Maybe, young man, you know more about My Business than I know."
"I shouldn't put it that way," I retorted. "I should say that I know more about your business than you are ready to tell."
Peter Bolton drew down the corners of his mouth again and turned to Partridge with the air of putting me aside.
"Young Men have Strange Ideas," he drawled, "but you are Men of Experience, and you know what it means to refuse this loan. If you are sure a Panic would help your Business, why, all you have to do is to say I can't have the money. If I don't get it, I'll be posted on the Exchange this afternoon."
"And I warn you that Mr. Bolton is perfectly solvent," I said.
Partridge rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and Nelson studied the floor in perplexity.
"I am inclined to overrule Mr. Hampden in this matter," said Partridge; "but he represents Mr. Kendrick, and I don't wish to go in flat opposition to his judgment."