By this time I had made up my mind what to do, and the conclusion seemed to afford me the means of escaping both horns of the dilemma into which I was plunged. I glanced at the memoranda which Mr. Whippleton handed to me, and I saw that about twenty-five thousand dollars would be required to make the purchase he contemplated. Our cash balance in the bank was about six thousand, and Mr. Collingsby was expected to furnish the rest. I did not care to go to the senior partner upon such an errand, for I was afraid that the transaction the junior meditated might include another fictitious invoice.
"Well, will you go?" demanded Mr. Whippleton, while I was looking at the list.
"I would rather not, sir," I replied.
"What!"
"I have come to the conclusion that I should resign my place here," I replied, finding that nothing but plain speech would answer my purpose.
"Resign!" exclaimed he.
He was paler than ever, and my words evidently startled him.
"What do you mean by that? Are you not satisfied with your salary? If you are not, I will give you ten dollars a week, or twelve, or more, if you desire."
"My salary is quite satisfactory."
"And you are engaged for a year."