“They seldom correspond.”
“I must inquire about him at the Union Club,” said Pompilard, musingly. “By the way, Mr. Charlton, you deal in real estate securities, do you not?”
“Occasionally. There are some old-fashioned persons who consult me in regard to investments.”
“Do you want any good mortgages?” asked Pompilard.
“Just at present, money is very scarce and high,” replied Charlton.
“That’s the very reason why I want it,” said his visitor. “Could you negotiate a thirty thousand dollar mortgage for me?”
“But that’s a very large sum.”
“Another reason why I want it,” returned Pompilard. “Supposing the security were satisfactory, what bonus should you require for getting me the money? Please give me your lowest terms, and at once, for I have an engagement in five minutes on ’Change.”
“Well, sir,” said Charlton, in the tone of a man to whom it is an ordinary act to drive the knife in deep, “I think in these times five per cent would be about right.”
“Pooh! I’ll bid you good morning, Mr. Charlton,” said Pompilard, with an air of unspeakable contempt. “Come, Grip.”