“How much is it?” asked Guy with as much indifference as he could throw into his tones.
“Only twenty-four dollars. Don’t misunderstand me now. I am not dunning you, for I know that you are a thoroughbred, and that you are able to pay it at any moment. I merely wish to call your attention to it.”
“I am glad you did,” said Guy. “I’ll see to it. Good-evening.”
Had Guy suddenly been knocked over by some invisible hand he could not have been more amazed. Thirty-two dollars in debt, and several creditors yet to hear from! Had he been asked an hour before to name the sum he owed these two men, he would have said not more than five dollars. He had kept no account of the bills he had run at other places, and if they exceeded his estimate of them in the same proportion that these two did, what would become of him? Where could he raise the money to pay them? He could not bear to think about it. He overtook his companion at the door, and the latter saw very plainly that the awakening had come.
“Well, perhaps it is as well that it should come now as at a later day,” soliloquized the commercial traveler. “I’ve got him just where I want him, and I’ll make him a proposition to-night. I have another whole day to operate in before I start out on my travels, and a great deal can be accomplished in that time. How much is it, Guy? Twenty-four dollars! That is less than I thought it would be. Billiards at twenty-five cents a game, and fancy drinks at fifteen cents each count up, you know. When are you going to pay it?”
“I don’t know. I can’t pay Jake’s bill, much less this one.”
“Well, now, I say! Look here, my dear fellow, this won’t do, you know!” exclaimed Mr. Jones, suddenly stopping in the street and turning a most astonished face toward Guy. “Remember, if you please, that these people to whom I have introduced you are my personal friends, and that I brought you to their notice supposing you to be a gentleman. You must pay these bills. My honor is at stake as well as your own, because I introduced you. If you don’t do it, your creditors will call upon Mr. Walker.”
“Great Scott!” ejaculated Guy, who had never thought of this before.
“Certainly they will,” continued Mr. Jones. “And just consider how I should feel under such circumstances! I should never dare to look a white man in the face again. I didn’t think you were dishonest.”
“And I am not, either,” returned Guy with spirit. “I should be glad to settle these bills, but how can I do it without money?”