Mr. Coddington considered carefully.
“I do not at all approve of Peter Strong’s borrowing money,” said he. “It is a bad habit to fall into.”
“But Peter Strong isn’t going to make a habit of it, Father. And he isn’t borrowing for himself, you know.”
“Still he is borrowing.”
“Yes, because if he waited until he had the cash in the bank Nat might be too old to ride a motorcycle,” chuckled Peter, mischievously.
A quiet smile crept into the corners of Mr. Coddington’s mouth.
“Well,” admitted he deliberately, “the case does seem to be an urgent one. I might for once consent to break over my rule and furnish the sum necessary. Yet it is quite a large loan that Peter Strong is asking. I hope he will have no trouble in repaying it.”
“I believe he can manage it all right,” was the earnest reply. “His wages have been going up and will probably be raised still more in future. It does seem a little bit risky to loan him so much money, I confess, but I feel sure you will get it back if you are not in too much of a hurry for it.”
Something in this answer evidently amused Mr. Coddington, for he bit his lip to keep back a smile and walked away to the window where he stood for some time looking out. At last he turned.
“We will close the deal, Peter,” said he. “Since you vouch for Strong I will take a chance. I would advise you, though, to let me buy the motorcycle, as I can get a better price on it than you can.”