"What is to prevent it?" eagerly asked the embarrassed merchant.

"You want more money," said Layton.

"I know that. Seven or eight thousand dollars would relieve me, if I
had the use of it for one or two years, so that I could devote all
my time to business. I have enough to do. All that is wanted is to
do it well."

"Yes, I see that clearly enough."

"But the money, where is that to come from?"

"It can be raised, I think. In fact, if you will secure me against
loss, I will take your notes and raise it for you."

"I will secure you upon every thing that I possess," was instantly
replied.

"Very well. That will do. How much money must you have to-morrow?"

"Two thousand dollars."

"That can be managed easily enough. I will see that it is raised. In
the mean time, get all arrangements for the security in progress, so
that I can take your notes and pass them through bank as fast as you
need to have money."

Grasper was overpowered. He could hardly believe that he heard
aright. This was the man who had been driven by his grasping spirit