"It was the case of the family of the late Governor--I understand that they are in debt to the Bank and that the Bank is in the act of distraining."
"Unhappily true, sir, but the Bank has been very indulgent--I say the Bank has been very indulgent--it was impossible to hold back longer."
"I think that the debt is for interest on a mortgage on the Inn-farm at Thingvellir, and that the money was borrowed by the father of the present owner?"
"That is so, sir, but the interest is long in arrears, and the mortgage--I say the mortgage itself, sir, is the reverse of a good security."
"Mr. Palsson," said Christian Christiansson, "if I were to pay you the interest out of my own pocket would that stop the proceedings?"
The banker's breath seemed to be arrested. "You are very good, sir," he said after a moment. "But the interest is large; you can hardly be prepared for the amount of it."
"What is the amount of it?" asked Christian Christiansson.
"Eight thousand crowns at least, sir--I say at least eight thousand. And in any case I should be unable to receive it. Things have gone too far. The deed of execution has been served, the advertisements of the auction have been published, and the whole matter is now in the hands of the Sheriff."
"When is the auction to take place?"
"Let me see," said the banker, consulting a newspaper, "this is the last day of the year, the auction is advertised for to-morrow, sir."