Except for the slightly embarrassing detail of being without current funds I was also free of Le ffaçasé and the Daily Intelligencer. "Mr Blank," I said, "I need some money for immediate expenses."
"I knew youd see things in a sensible light, Weener. I'll have your check in a minute."
"You misunderstand me. I have no intention of giving up any part of Consolidated Pemmican."
"Ah?"
"No."
He looked at me intently. "Mr. Weener, I am not a wealthy man. Above and beyond that, since this grass business started, I assure you any common laborer has made more money than I. Any common laborer," he repeated sadly.
"Oh, I only need about a thousand dollars for immediate outlays. Just write me a check for that much, like a good fellow."
"Mr Weener, how can we be sure you won't call upon us again for more—ah—expensemoney?"
I drew myself up indignantly. "Mr Blank, no one has ever questioned my integrity before. When I say a thousand dollars is all the expensemoney I require, why, it is all the expensemoney I require. To doubt it is to insult me."
"Ah," he said.