"I cannot give it unreservedly. But as I cannot suggest anything better, I must not refuse." Mowbray addressed Davies. "As the farms were mortgaged against the provisions of our settlement covenant, I believe your claim might be disputed, but I won't urge that point. The money was borrowed and must be paid."
"With your permission, sir!" Harding took the big inkstand and placed it before Davies. "Write a formal discharge for these debts, and I'll give you a check."
Davies' face was hot with baffled fury, but he asked in a sneering tone:
"Will the bank make it good?"
"Here's their letter," said Harding dryly.
Davies glanced at the letter, and threw it down. Then he pulled himself together.
"It seems," he said to Mowbray, "that you have made some arrangement to finance these gentlemen, and they have agreed; but Mr. Gerald Mowbray owes a much larger sum, and I have his word that he is unable to pay. He left the matter in my hands, and before going any further I should like to suggest that we might arrive at some understanding——"
Mowbray cut him short.
"We can make no terms with you, if that is what is meant. My son owes you money; you must take what you are entitled to."
"But the debt is his. He must decide."