“You are a man of education and have been a lawyer yourself. Get a place in the office of some attorney and earn an honest living.”
“You see how I am dressed. Who would employ me in this garb?”
“There is something in what you say. I feel for you, Bolton. Changed as you are, you were once a friend. I certainly haven’t any reason to feel friendly to you, especially as you came here with the intention of extorting money from me. But I can make allowance for you in your unfortunate plight, and am willing to do something for you. Bring me the document you say you possess, and I will give you fifty—no, a hundred dollars.”
Bolton eyed his prosperous companion with a cunning smile.
“No, Stephen Ray, I prefer to keep the will,” he replied, “though I can do nothing with it. Give me the money unconditionally, and if I get on my feet you will have nothing to fear from me.”
CHAPTER XXVI
BOUGHT OFF
Bolton’s reply did not quite suit Mr. Ray, but he felt that if he said too much about the will it would give it an exaggerated importance in the eyes of the man before him. So he answered carelessly: “I will give you the hundred dollars, but I wish it understood that it is all I can give you at any time. Don’t apply to me again, for it will be of no use.”