"Splendid, my dear Martinus! But won't you need another?"
"I'm not sure," said Padway, who was sure that he would. "I was thinking of expanding my distillery."
"That's a great idea. Of course now that you're established we'll put our loans on a business basis—"
"Meaning?" said Padway.
"Meaning that the rate of interest will have to be adjusted. The normal rate, you know, is much higher—"
"Ha, ha," said Padway. "That's what I thought you had in mind. But now that you know the business is a sure one, you can afford to give me a lower rate."
"Ai, Martinus, that's absurd! Is that any way to treat me after all I've done for you?"
"You don't have to lend it if you don't want to. There are other bankers who'd be glad to learn American arithmetic—"
"Listen to him, God! It's robbery! It's extortion! I'll never give in! Go to your other bankers, see if I care!"
Three blocks of argument brought the interest rate down to ten per cent, which Thomasus said was cutting his own heart out and burning it on the altar of friendship.