market, and not one penny will I borrow from a friend."

The Jew's face was almost piteous. He stretched himself across the
table. There were genuine tears in his eyes.

"Laverick," he said, "old man, you're wrong. I know you think I've
been led away. I've taken you out of our depth, but the only
trouble has been that we haven't had enough capital, and no backing.
Those who stand up will win. They will make money."

"Unfortunately," Laverick remarked, "we cannot stand up. Please
understand that I will not discuss this matter with you in any way.
I will not borrow money from Rendell or any friend. I have asked
the bank and I have asked Pages, who will be our largest creditors.
To help us would simply be a business proposition, so far as they
are concerned. As you know, they have refused. If you see any hope
in that direction, why don't you try some of your own friends? For
every one man I know in the House, you have seemed to be bosom
friends with at least twenty."

Morrison groaned.

"Those I know are not that sort of friend," he answered. "They will
drink with you and spend a night out or a week-end at Brighton, but
they do not lend money. If they would, do you think I would mind
asking? Why, I would go on my knees to any man who would lend us
the money. I would even kiss his feet. I cannot bear it, Laverick!
I cannot! I cannot!"

Laverick said nothing. Words were useless things, wasted upon such