"No, sir. No private loan of that magnitude can be floated in this
country. You control the only bank in the county that can even
consider it--and you'll not consider it."

"Hardly."

"Added to which handicap, I have no additional security to offer in the
shape of previous reputation for ability and industry. I am the last
of a long line of indolent, care-free spendthrifts."

"Yes; that is unfortunately true," Parker assented, gravely.

"Oh, not so unfortunate as it is embarrassing and inconvenient. We
have always enjoyed life to the fullest, and, for that, only a fool
would have regret. Would you be willing to file a satisfaction of that
old mortgage and give me a new loan for five years for the amount now
due on the property? I could induce one of the big packing companies
to stake me to the cattle. All I would have to provide would be the
range, and satisfy them that I am honest and know my business. And I
can do that. Such an arrangement would give me time to negotiate a
sale of part of the ranch and pay up your mortgage."

"I am afraid that my present plans preclude consideration of that
suggestion," the banker replied, kindly, but none the less forcibly.

"I didn't think you would, but I thought I'd ask. As a general rule,
it pays to try anything once when a fellow is in as desperate case as I
am. My only hope, then, is that I may be able to sell the Farrel
equity in the ranch prior to the twenty-second day of November."