"I'm glad you've done well, Lee. There was nothing personal in what I did. I'm glad you've gone on to even bigger things than we would have achieved together." "You're glad I've done well! Why, you pious hypocrite! I ought to have you thrown through the window instead of merely ordering you out!" "There is no reason why I should expect any better treatment, Lee. But I had to come here. You were my last hope. I had to ask." Joshua turned slowly from the desk. He had taken but three steps when Lee Gorman said, "Wait a minute. I'm curious. Are you _really_ still at it--beating your brains out against that stone wall?" "It's my dream, Lee. I've got to be the first man to put a rocket on the moon." "But now you're broke--washed up. What's with the dream now?" "I guess it's finished." Joshua turned and took another step; but Gorman was loath to let him go. "Tell me," Gorman said. "What have you got in that briefcase?" "Progress reports. Plans. I wanted to show them to you." Gorman grinned. "All right. I've got a few minutes. Come and do it." Joshua Lake retraced his steps. He sat down in a chair next to Gorman's desk. He laid his hat on the desk and snapped open the case. "No," Gorman said. "Stand here by my elbow. The chair is for people I meet on even terms." Joshua got obediently to his feet and placed himself as directed. "And your hat," Gorman added. "You'd better hold that. You might forget it when you leave." "Of course, Lee." It was a ludicrous, pitiful sight but, withal, a grim note ran through the scene. Joshua supporting the case against his thigh, got out a sheaf of papers. "These are the progress reports to date. These, the projected plans." "And when these plans are carried out you expect success?" "Yes. Great foresight has been used. They will carry us through." "And you expect me to loan you money on the strength of this--this day-dreaming on paper?" "It's far more than that, Lee. You'll find the plans sound." Lee Gorman didn't give a tinker's hoot for the plans. He was only enjoying an interview--a vengeance--he was loath to terminate. "You haven't even begun to show me what I'd need before I even considered loaning you a dime." "I'll bring you anything you want." "Even if I promise to turn you down after I've gone over it." "You're calling the dance, Lee." "All right--I'll call it. Bring me your payroll records; your cost sheets; the background reports on the key men in your organization." "As soon as I can get them. I need some money immediately to meet my payroll." "Then what are you waiting for?" "I'll be back this afternoon." Joshua was halfway out the door when Lee Gorman called. "And bring the deeds to your plant--the bills of sale to your machinery and equipment." "Certainly." Joshua left and Lee Gorman sat motionless staring at the surface of his desk. There was a Mona Lisa smile on his rugged face. * * * * *