"A hundred pounds: more if you require it. In fact, any amount, if your security be good."
"The interest will doubtless be high?"
"Not at all: four or five per cent. As much is often given for money on mortgage of land."
"And the life insurance?"
"You will insure your life for five hundred pounds, and you will pay the premiums with the interest."
"For five hundred?" said West, hesitating. "That is, if I borrow—"
"One hundred," replied the usurer, sharply. "Men who lend money do not run risks. You may die, and four out of five insurance offices may fail; but the chances are that the fifth would pay."
"But it is not likely—" began Bernard West, amazed at this outrageous display of caution.
"I do not say it is likely," snarled the usurer with a contemptuous sort of pity for his visitor's dullness of apprehension; "I say it is possible; and I like to be on the safe side."
"Well, and how is the affair to be arranged?"