"Drop the subject," he says hoarsely. "That card is played, and lost. Is this all you have to say?"
"All! I wish it were. What took me to the city?"
"What took you, true enough. The need of a few thousands, ready cash."
"Yes. Well! I have not got the cash."
"But—good heavens! you had ample—securities."
"Ample securities, yes," with a low grating laugh. "Look, I don't know who has interposed thus in our favor, but—if John Burrill were alive to-night you and I would be—beggars."
"Impossible, while you hold the valuable—"
"Bah! valuable indeed! you and I have been fooled, duped, deluded. Our treasured securities are—"
"Well, are what?"
"Shams."