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 pay as you agreed to pay makes the second note even more uncertain. It raises a question of your ability. . . ."

"How much?" Bert cut in.

"There, there!" the man wheezed soothingly. "I do not mean to criticize you. I have always spoken of you favorably. But business is business and. . . ."

"Mr. Clud, what note must I sign?"

The man leaned across the table. "I must insist upon a note for $125."

The thing was robbery—extortion. Bert sprang to his feet. "I won't sign it."

The man spread his hands in a smooth gesture of benevolence. "Then I must ask you to pay me in full."

"I can't. I've told you that. I'll give you $100, and you can auction off the goods here for the balance."

"My friend, the goods here do not interest me in the least. At auction they would not bring so much as a pocketful of silver coins. Believe me, I have had experience in such things and I know."

"Then all you get is $100. I haven't the money and you can't get it. That's all."

Old Man Clud stood up, and not an ounce of fat on his pale, hairless face gave any hint that he was disturbed. "Oh, but that is not all. You misjudge my astuteness. Did it never occur to you that I would not lend my money to one of your age