"I can't, Dad."
"Because of that old agreement?"
"Partly."
"Call it a loan, then. I can't stand by and see the paper licked by Pierce. Fifty thousand won't touch me. And it'll save you."
"Please, Dad, I can't do it."
"Is it because it's Certina money?"
Hal turned miserable eyes on his father. "Hadn't we better keep away from that?"
"I don't get you at all on that," cried the charlatan. "Why, it's business. It's legal. If I didn't sell 'em the stuff, somebody else would. Why shouldn't I take the money, when it's there?"
"There's no use in my trying to argue it with you, Dad. We're miles apart."
"That's just it," sighed the older man. "Oh, well! You couldn't help my paying the damages if Pierce wins," he suggested hopefully.