WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 163

 

papers, so that as little delay as possible need occur
in the transference of security for the loan.”

What further passed between the parties is of no
consequence to the reader.

At four o’clock, precisely, Martin was at the
store of Jasper.

“TI hope to find you a little more reasonable to-
day,” said the merchant, with a forced smile, as the
two men, after retiring to a remote part of the
store, sat down and faced each other.

“J should be sorry to do any thing out of rea-
son,” returned Martin. His manner was more se-
rious than Jasper’s.

“I think your present demand out of reason,”
was answered.

“No good can possibly come, Mr. Jasper,’’ said
Martin, with a slight air of impatience, “ out of an
argument between you and I, on this subject.
The sum I named to you last night I must have.
Nothing less will meet my present want. But,
understand me distinctly, I only ask it as a loan,
and come prepared to give you the fullest security.’

As Mr. Martin said this, he drew a package of
papers from his pocket. ‘Here are the necessary
documents,’ he added.

“Ten thousand dollars! Why, my dear sir,-a
sum like this is not to be picked up in the streets.”

“T am very well aware of that,” was the cool
answer. “Had such been the case, I never would
have troubled you with procuring the sum; nor
would I have gone to the expense and fatigue of a
long journey.”

“You certainly ought to know enough of busi-