"Search me."
"Well, I, too, can do a little in that line myself. I did some of the most expert word painting to my assistant financial agents or their representatives and held them together and in good fellowship until I reached my harbor."
"If the question is not an indelicate one," said Fogg hesitatingly, "might I inquire if you ever paid up?"
"Every dollar," quickly responded Handy. "When we reached Chicago we struck smooth water and entered upon a prosperous sea for four weeks. Money fairly poured into our coffers. One by one I sent each hotel clerk back to his employer, with a check for the money I owed him in his pocket and a receipted bill in mine. I squared up with every one I was indebted to. You know when we make money we make it fast."
"And part with it as readily," added his friend.
"That has nothing to do with the case, my boy. Now, let me ask you if you think I told you this moving tale of ups and downs for the mere fun of its recital, do you?"
"Well, partly fun, kill time, and partly to a—a—a——"
"Yes, go on. Partly to a—a—a——what? Why don't you finish the sentence?"
"To illustrate the principle of a novel way to pay old debts, eh?"
"Right you are," replied Handy emphatically. "And let me add, so far as you are personally concerned——" For the first time during the narration he looked thoroughly in earnest.