“Why did you come to me for a check? From what you knew of my character, did you think you were likely to get one?” Gaunt asked bluntly.
“My experience tells me that checks are often obtained from the most unlikely quarters.”
“Then you considered me an unlikely quarter? Frankly, what have you heard about me?”
“You wish me to tell you—frankly?”
“Yes,” Gaunt cried impatiently.
“I’ve not heard much to your credit. They say you aren’t too particular about the way you make money—so long as you make it. Then your connection with ‘red rubber’ does not predispose people in your favor.”
“Thank you.”
“But I’ve always heard that you are a man to be trusted. You hold a promise to be a sacred thing, and that is something nowadays. Since yesterday, I can place generosity to your credit, and now that I know you personally, I am inclined to think that you have not allowed the world to see your true character. Am I right?”
“God only knows what my real character is. At any rate rumor hasn’t lied, I’ve been a thorough bad lot—how bad, I am only just beginning to realize.”
Gaunt paused, and the two men looked at one another in silence.