“Some of them are going to find they’re tricked, just as I am,” Lake grumbled. “If I could only convince Belden of the ultimate absolute security of a loan! He wants to help me; he’s ready to be convinced; but—”
People passing saw this moody, depressed young man stop short in the street and his eye light with sudden hope.
“By thunder!” he exclaimed. “Of course, I can protect him against unforeseen disaster, if he has confidence in my integrity!”
He was almost jubilant when he entered Belden’s office.
“Got the money?” asked Belden.
“No; but I know how to get it,” replied Lake. “You believe in my honesty, don’t you?”
“Implicitly.”
“You merely doubt my ability?”
“Your financial ability,” explained Belden. “You will do what you agree to do—if you can. I have no earthly doubt of your willingness, even anxiety, to repay every obligation you may incur, but, added to other risks, there is the possibility of accident.”
“If I eliminate that?”