"Upon what collateral, sir?"
"Mainly upon the collateral of honor."
The banker looked at him. Lyman continued: "I feel that such a statement in a bank sounds like the echo of an idle laugh, but I mention honor first, because I value it most. I also have, or represent, a law library."
"Is it worth a hundred dollars?"
"Well, I can't say that it is, but I should think that the library, reinforced by my honor, is worth that much."
The banker began to stroke his brown beard. "So you have come here to joke, sir——"
"Oh, not at all," Lyman broke in, "this is a serious matter."
"It might be if I were to let you have the money."
"That isn't so bad," Lyman laughed. "But seriously, I am in much need of a hundred dollars, and if you'll let me have it for six months I will pay it back with interest."
"I can't do it, sir."