At this turn of affairs it occurred to him that it would not be a bad idea to test the old gentleman's friendship for himself; and the greatest of all tests, he believed, was to borrow money from him. If Doctor Bryan refused this little favor, he reasoned to himself, all his hopes in regard to inheriting the old gentleman's money, in time to come, would be dashed. He would ask him for a small loan; and on the very day this occurred to him he proceeded to put it into execution, saying to himself:
"'He either fears his fate too much,
Or his deserts are small,
Who fears to put it to, the touch
To win or lose it all.'"
He knew that he should find the doctor in his study directly after luncheon, and here he presented himself with some trepidation.
"Come in," called the doctor, in answer to his knock.
"Oh, it's you, is it, Harry?" he exclaimed, placing a chair for him, which the young man took rather awkwardly.
"It is not often I trouble you in your study, sir," began Harry, "but I have something of importance to say to you, and I beg that you will pardon the intrusion. I chose a time when we will be least apt to be interrupted."
"I wouldn't advise you to begin it if it will take long to tell," said Mr. Bryan, "for we might be interrupted at any moment. I am expecting an old friend, who is to accompany me on a horse-back ride. He ought to have been here by this time."
Harry fidgeted nervously about in his chair. It required something of an effort to make his request carelessly.
"You are the only one," he began, a little disconcertedly, "I feel sure, who can help me in my present dilemma."
The old doctor wheeled suddenly around in his chair, and all in an instant the object of the young man's visit flashed over his mind.