If the innocence was assumed it was mighty well done. However, I told myself his business was acting.
"By selling short," I said.
"I never understood that operation."
I explained it.
"Too complicated for me," he said. "I consider the whole business immoral."
I agreed, and switched to talk of solid, permanent investments. He immediately looked interested.
"You seem to know something about such matters," he said. "Suppose a man had a little money to invest, what would you advise?"
"Your savings?" I asked with a smile.
"Lord! I couldn't save anything. No, I have a friend who has a few thousand surplus."
Being anxious to believe well of him I snatched at this straw. Maybe a friend had entrusted him with money to invest. Hardly likely though, and still more unlikely that it would be handed over in cash. I gave him some good advice, and the subject was dropped.