"Did I not inform you that such would be the case?" I replied, with
assumed sternness of voice and manner. The boot was on the other
leg, and I was not slow in recognising the fact.

"But what do you intend to do, Mr. Jones? What is the state of your
affairs?"

"At the proper time, I will inform you," I answered, coldly. "You
have driven me into a protest, and you must stand the consequences."

"Are your affairs desperate, Mr. Jones?" The creditor became almost
imploring in his manner.

"They will probably become so now. Does a man's note lie over
without his affairs becoming desperate?"

"Perhaps"--

There was a pause. I looked unflinchingly into the man's face.

"If we extend this note, and keep the matter quiet, what then?"

"It won't do," I returned. "More than that will be required to save
me."

My creditor looked frightened, while I maintained an aspect of as
much indifference and resolution as I could assume.

"What will save you?" he asked.