"Why did you ask him to come back?"
"You interrogate like a lawyer. I told him I would communicate with my principal."
"Did he ask for help?"
"Not at all. He was ready to 'stand the racket,' he said. He merely wished to state the facts. He blamed himself for lack of discretion, and I could not contradict him. He was immaculate as ever in his personal appearance, but he looked pale."
"Poor fellow!"
"Yes, it is unfortunate, I admit. But it will teach him a lesson. A man who wishes to become a merchant-prince cannot afford to trust anybody."
"What a doctrine!"
"Business and sentiment are incompatible."
I was silent a moment. "Mr. Chelm, when he comes here at twelve, I want you to tell him that he shall not fail, and that I will pay his debts."