“Might I not beg you to aid me, Mr. Greifmann?” said he anxiously. “Of course, I shall allow you a high rate of interest.”
“That is not practicable with bills of exchange,” rejoined the banker relentlessly.
“When will the bills be presented?” asked the leader, with increasing anxiety.
“Perhaps as early as to-morrow,” answered Greifmann, still more relentless.
The manufacturer of tobacco was near fainting.
“I cannot conceive of your being embarrassed,” said the banker coldly. “Your popularity and influence will get you assistance from friends, in case your exchequer happens not to be in a favorable condition.”
“The amount is too great; I should have to borrow in several quarters. This would give rise to reports, and endanger the credit of my firm.”
“You are not wrong in your view,” answered the banker coldly. “Accidents may shake the credit of the most solid firm, and other accidents may often change trifling difficulties into fatal catastrophes. How often does it not occur that houses of the best standing, which take in money at different places, are brought to the verge of bankruptcy through public distrust?”
The words of the money prince were nowise calculated to reassure Mr. Erdblatt.
“Be kind enough to accept the bills, and grant me time,” pleaded he piteously.