The true reason why he would not give his note to Grasper, was his
determination never to be in debt to any man who, in an extremity,
would oppress him. This reason was more than suspected by Grasper
and it worried him exceedingly. If Layton had refused to buy from
him at all, he would have felt less annoyance.

Year after year passed on, and Layton's business gradually enlarged,
until he was doing at least four times as much as Grasper, who now
found himself much oftener the buyer from, than the seller to,
Layton. At first, in making bills with Layton, he always made it a
point to cash them. But this soon became inconvenient, and he was
forced to say, in making a pretty heavy purchase--

"I shall have to give my note for this."

"Just as you please, Mr. Grasper, it is all the same to me," replied
Layton, indifferently. "I had as lief have your note as your money."

Grasper felt his cheek burn. For the hundredth time, he repented of
one act in his life.

A few months after this, Grasper found himself very hard pressed to
meet his payments. He had been on the borrowing list for a good
while, and had drawn so often and so largely upon business friends,
that he had almost worn out his welcome. For one of his heavy days
he had been endeavouring to make provision in advance, but had not
succeeded in obtaining all the money needed, when the day arrived.
In his extremity, and as a last resort, yet with a most
heart-sinking reluctance, he called in to see Layton.