"Will, you're overwrought. Look up. Be a man."
Will's sobs ceased, and he met Cadman's scrutiny with a sullen doggedness.
"George, you will not call me a man after to-night. I couldn't myself, even."
"Come, out with it," returned Cadman briskly "Don't beat around the bush,—and I object to your disowning your sex!"
"For God's sake, don't joke!" exclaimed Will fiercely.
"Far from it! Be quick—what awful crime have you committed?"
George possessed a pair of keen gray eyes that compelled frankness.
Will did not hesitate.
"I've lost all—every cent, George! Got desperate. Was fooled into crazy speculation. Lost all—all, I say, and I'm ruined hopelessly, beyond any help of yours."
George's face became serious, and he watched Will keenly.