Page:Man's Country (1923).pdf/139

 The gravity of the meeting seemed to have been broken up, so far as the bankers were concerned, and George decided to wait until he could talk it all over with Milton Morris. There was some informal chat around the table about details of the loan, should no hitch occur, and the method of allocating it among the various financial interests represented. George listened to and participated in this, but not hopefully. He felt that relief was being offered to him at too high a price, and it was with an expression of defeat upon his face that eventually he drove out to the factory and sought for Milton Morris. He was not in his office, and Judson eventually found him wandering round the huge plant, with a face like a graven stone, looking lost and helpless.

"What's the outlook—hey? They won't lend us?"

"They will," said George, surprisingly and rather desperately. "Yes—they will: but upon the most absurd conditions. It seems like treachery to tell it to you."

"Treachery? What do you mean, George?" and the older man's voice was steady and brave if also anxious and puzzled. He looked searchingly into his young associate's face. "I never had a son, but if I did I couldn't trust him more than I trust you. What's the matter with you, boy? Let's go in and talk it out." It was no-