"Yes, I never allow a rent day to go by," he was saying. "People who hire from me must expect to pay promptly."
"But sometimes people fall ill, and get behind----" began Deb.
"True, but that's not my fault, and I never--ah, here is your brother at last. Good morning, Mr. Willington."
"Good morning, Mr. Hammerby," returned Jack, soberly, and with a sinking heart. "You came for the rent, I suppose."
"Yes, sir, always prompt, you know," replied the agent, rubbing his hands together.
"I told him you had just gone to get the money," put in Deb.
"I--I'm sorry, but I can't pay you today," said Jack, as calmly as he could, but with a worried glance at his sister.
"Oh, Jack, what has happened?" burst out Deb, growing pale.
"The bank has stopped payment."
"And you expected to get your money from that place?" asked Mr. Hammerby.