"Well, there can be no doubt of our duty to support Wharton Kendrick in this emergency."
"Of course not," said Partridge. "What security can you offer?"
"Haven't the least idea," I replied curtly.
"You'd better make us a general assignment," said Nelson. "I suppose that will cover it."
"I couldn't think of doing such a thing," I replied, restraining my indignation with an effort. "A note will have to do."
"It's a very irregular proposition," said Nelson. "Even the Sundown Bank has put up a pretense of collateral."
"Well," I returned, "as a business proposition, wouldn't you rather hold Wharton Kendrick's note than the Sundown Bank's collateral?"
"Yes, of course--provided Wharton Kendrick lives. But Wharton Kendrick is likely to die. The question we have to consider is, What will his note be worth in the Probate Court?"
"You see how it is," said Partridge, with the patient air of one instructing a novice. "If you haven't anything to pledge, why, an assignment is the thing."
I faced my associates with the determination to yield nothing.