It did occur to Phil to offer to loan him something, but the scantiness of his own resources warned him that it would not be prudent, so he remained silent.
Finally Mr. Lake appeared to have an idea.
“Have you got five dollars, Philip?” he said familiarly.
“Yes, sir,” answered Philip slowly.
“Then I'll make a proposal. Lend it to me and I will give you this ring as security. It is worth twenty-five dollars easily.”
He drew from his vest-pocket a neat gold ring, with some sort of a stone in the setting.
“There!” said Mr. Lake, “I'll give you this ring and my address, and you can bring it to my office to-morrow morning. I'll give you back the five dollars and one dollar for the accommodation. That's good interest, isn't it?”
“But I might keep the ring and sell it,” suggested Phil.
“Oh, I am not afraid. You look honest. I will trust you,” said the young man, in a careless, off-hand manner. “Say, is it a bargain?”
“Yes,” answered Phil.