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 —you mean that you would advise Mrs. Gilman to take my whole bond issue?"

His hands, his voice, his whole body were trembling with excited eagerness. Such an action on the part of the executors would put an instant end to his troubles. It would make him independent. It would set him free of the power of three benevolent-looking but grim-hearted old Shylocks who were even now making sure that they held him helpless. "You would recommend that, Mr. Mumford?"

"Yes—unhesitatingly. They are seconds, but with your assets they're sound as firsts. Besides, I think you are entitled to it."

"You do—Mr. Mumford?"

George's voice was still hoarse with excitement; but even before the banker could nod an affirmative, the young man had begun to see another side to the transaction, and was leaning back and shaking his head gravely. "Allow Mrs. Gilman to give up Stephen's carefully placed investments for bonds in my company?" he questioned solemnly and critically. "Mr. Mumford, I could never do it."

Simon regarded the young man steadily, with a grave, penetrative glance in which affection and reproof were mingled.

"It's a way out, though, George!" he suggested presently.

"A way in, you mean!" frowned George.