ulated this affair and
whether the small sum I can offer you will be of advantage
to you.

In the hope that no inconvenience of a serious character
will grow out of your present embarrassment,

I remain,
Your affectionate
OLD FATHER.

When Borgert had read these lines, he crushed the paper within his
palm and then cast it likewise into the stove. With a sigh he sank
into a chair and began to ruminate.

At this moment his servant entered and announced Leimann.

Borgert went to the door to meet his friend, and when they had stepped
into his study, Leimann asked with considerable anxiety:

"Well, what important matter is it you have for me this morning?"

Borgert planted himself squarely on his legs in front of the other and
said with assumed gaiety:

"You see, my dear fellow, we all have our troubles. I have just about
reached the end of my tether and should like to appoint you receiver
of my assets."

"The end of your tether?" retorted Leimann with agitation. "What do
you mean by that? Do you mean in money matters?"

"You have guessed it. I must have money right now, a whole bagful of
it, or else I'm done for."

"Is it as bad as all that? Have new complications arisen? Why, you
told me the last time that you were out of your troubles just now."

"Yes, I did; but yesterday I made something of an investigation, and I
found that there is no other way out my difficulties than by means of
a gigantic loan. I should like, therefore, to speak openly to you
about the matter, for I'm in hopes that there must be still ways and
means to keep me above water."

Leimann lowered his eyes, looked fixedly at the pattern of the Turkish
rug, and rubbed reflectively his unshaven chin. Then he replied with a
shrug:

"How much is it?"

"Twelve thousand marks I must have, and not a penny less, for I'll
have to make a clear track. I'm about badgered to death by these
unceasing dunning letters and complaints in the courts."

"Hm, and how did you think you were going to manage this matter?"

"I have some more addresses of financial men, usurers, you know. If I
could get you once more to go security for me, I think we ought to be
able to attain our end."

"Security? Security? Yes, it is easy for you to talk that way, my dear
boy; but finally there must be something in the background in order
to assume responsibility for another's debts. I must tell you frankly
that