Once only the money-lender peered over the top of a document he was scanning, and said, gruffly: "Your name, sir, is Bernard West?" "It is," replied the stranger, mechanically taking up a newspaper, in which the first thing which caught his eye was the advertisement alluded to, which ran thus:--"_Money_ to any amount advanced immediately on every description of security, real or personal. Apply between the hours of ten and five to Mr. John Brace, ---- street, Soho-square." After a brief interval of silence, the usurer methodically rearranged the papers, and returned them to the stranger. "They are of no use," he said, "no use whatever: the reversion is merely contingent. You have no available security to offer?" "Could you not advance something upon these expectations--not even a small sum?" "Not a farthing," said the money-lender. "Is there no way of raising fifty--thirty--even twenty pounds?" said the stranger, anxiously, and with the tenacity of a drowning man grasping at a straw. "There is a way," said the usurer, carelessly. West in his turn was silent, awaiting the explanation of his companion. "On personal security," continued the latter with a sinister impatience, beginning to arrange his writing materials for a letter. "I will give any discount," said the young man, eagerly. "My prospects are good: I can--" "Get a friend to be security for the payment of the interest?" "Of the interest and principal, you mean?" "Of the interest only--and the life insurance," added the usurer, with a slight peculiarity of intonation that might have escaped the notice of one whose nerves were less exalted in their sensitive power than those of his visitor's. "And what sum can I borrow on these terms?" said West, gloomily. "A hundred pounds: more if you require it. In fact, any amount, if your security be good." "The interest will doubtless be high?" "Not at all: four or five per cent. As much is often given for money on mortgage of land." "And the life insurance?" "You will insure your life for five hundred pounds, and you will pay the premiums with the interest." "For _five_ hundred?" said West, hesitating. "That is, if I borrow--" "_One_ hundred," replied the usurer, sharply. "Men who lend money do not run risks. You may die, and four out of five insurance offices may fail; but the chances are that the fifth would pay." "But it is not likely--" began Bernard West, amazed at this outrageous display of caution. "I do not say it is likely," snarled the usurer with a contemptuous sort of pity for his visitor's dullness of apprehension; "I say it is possible; and I like to be on the safe side." "Well, and how is the affair to be arranged?" "Your security, who of course must be a person known to have property, will give a bond guaranteeing the regular payment of interest and premiums--that is all."