The situation was, on the face of it, so absurd that the longer he thought it over the more convinced he became that Barton had made some mistake. He decided to telephone Barton.
It was with a sense of relief that Don found the name of Barton & Saltonstall still in the telephone-book. It would not have surprised him greatly if that too had disappeared. It was with a still greater sense of relief that he finally heard Barton’s voice.
“Look here,” he began. “It seems to me there must be some misunderstanding somewhere. Do you realize that I’m stony broke?”
“Why, no,” answered Barton. “I thought 18 you showed me the matter of thirteen dollars or so.”
“I did; but that’s gone, and all I have now is the matter of thirteen cents or so.”
“I’m sorry,” answered Barton. “If a small loan would be of any temporary advantage––”
“Hang it!” cut in Don. “You don’t think I’m trying to borrow, do you?”
“I beg your pardon. Perhaps you will tell me, then, just what you do wish.”
“I must eat, mustn’t I?”
“I consider that a fair presumption.”