“Judge Kingsley,” I said, “I made you another offer last night. I offered to turn the whole proposition over to you—profits and all! I had no business starting in on the operation. If you are in some sort of trouble—”
“Who said I was in trouble?”
“You said so last evening,” I faltered.
“Have you told anybody I said so, sir?” he demanded, sharply.
“No, sir! Certainly not.”
“If you permit yourself to hint that to anybody I shall promptly brand you as a falsifier and have you before the court on the charge of slander. You must realize that I could secure large damages because a financial man’s reputation forms his stock in trade. I could have you sent to prison on a criminal charge.”
“I don’t see any need of your sitting there and threatening me in that fashion,” I protested, with some heat. “I have tried to help you—”
“I have not asked for any of your help—I do not need it, sir.”
“I don’t suppose you do,” I admitted, sourly.
“Certainly not!”