It may seem strange that Mr. Hammerby should be so hard upon his tenants, but the truth was, he understood more of the factory and the bank affairs than was generally known.
He was well aware that it would be a long time before cash could be had at either place.
"But surely you wouldn't turn us out for being behind just this once!" exclaimed Jack. "We have paid promptly for three years."
"I can't make any allowance. It's pay or leave. I might have got more than you pay for these rooms, but I let you have them at a low figure because I thought you would be prompt."
"But Mr. Gray owns this building," put in Deb, eagerly; "surely he will not allow his own workmen, to whom money is due, to be put out."
"He doesn't bother his head about it," returned Mr. Hammerby, with assumed dignity. "He expects me to obey orders, and those orders are to collect or give notice."
"Well, I haven't the money," repeated Jack.
"I'll step in in the morning," went on the agent, "and then it's money or notice. Good day."
And without further words Mr. Hammerby left the apartment. The minute the door was closed Deb burst into tears.
"They will set us into the street!" she sobbed. "Was ever a person so cruel before! Oh, Jack, what shall we do? What shall we do?"