Without greeting the financier snapped out:
"Where is Farnum, Pollard?"
"Why do you wish to know?"
"I have a claim against him on an overdue bill."
"I didn't know that Mr. Farnum had any dealings with you," was the quiet reply.
"I bought this bill of Riley and Grannan for electrical supplies only recently. It is for a trifle over ten thousand dollars."
"Surely you believe Mr. Farnum is good for that amount?" queried the inventor softly.
"I'm sorry to say that I do not."
"Then why on earth did you buy the bill?"
The capitalist flushed, but said frankly: