Alpha Book

"Bad as that?" commented Selwyn quietly. "Well, what of it? I'm standing
by, I tell you. . . . That's right"--as Gerald broke down, his body
quivering under the spasm of soundless grief--"that's the safety-valve
working. Good business. Take your time."
It took a long time; and Selwyn sat silent and motionless, his whole arm
numb from its position and Gerald's crushing grasp. And at last, seeing
that was the moment to speak:
"Now let's fix up this matter, Gerald. Come on!"
"Good heavens! h-how can it be f-fixed--"
"I'll tell you when you tell me. It's a money difficulty, I suppose;
isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Cards?"
"P-partly."
"Oh, a note? Case of honour? Where is this I.O.U. that you gave?"
"It's worse than that. The--the note is paid. Good God--I can't tell
you--"
"You must. That's why I'm here, Gerald."
"Well, then, I--I drew a check--knowing that I had no funds. If it--if
they return it, marked--"
"I see. . . . What are the figures?"
The boy stammered them out; Selwyn's grave face grew graver still.


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