"But you said it was only a matter of form signin' the note?"
"Of course I so regarded it. I could have sworn I should be ready to pay when the note became due. You see, there was money owing to me that I couldn't collect."
"Didn't you know that was likely to happen when you tempted me to indorse the note?"
"It wasn't likely to happen, but it was possible. My plans miscarried, as any man's are liable to. If you were more used to business, Uncle Job, you'd see that I hadn't acted wrong in the matter."
"I don't understand the ways of business men, but I know you've done me a grievous wrong, John Richmond," said Job Stanton, gravely. "I've come to ask if you can pay me back a part of that money."
"Well, I can't do it this morning. I've got two payments to make. You don't look at it in the right light, Uncle Job."
"I want my money," said the old man. "When can you give it to me?"
"Since you push me so hard, I can only say I don't know," said Richmond, dropping his soft tones and looking angry.
"Is that all the satisfaction you are goin' to give me? Don't you ever mean to pay me that money you've made me pay out on your account, mortgaging my house and risking my home?"
"Of course I shall pay you some time, but I can't say exactly when," said the trader, brusquely.