Weekes reflected. He was in a position considerably more straitened than he had confessed to Brendon. He had overreached himself from cupidity, and now stood in debt to several people, including his lawyer. In this last quarter Jarratt's relations were strained, and the man of business refused to wait longer. A natural darkness of disposition had increased as a result of these troubles. He had quarrelled with his mother, with his wife, and with his wife's father. He had lost his self-respect somewhat, and as that lessened he grew the riper for mischief. Now he became a little hot, and permitted himself to remember the secret past. At Brendon's refusal, events long gone by rose up in the other's mind, and he spoke. "Better think twice. You never know who you are helping. This hundred, even if it pinched you a thought for the moment, might be a very good investment, though you don't get interest for it." Brendon stared at him. "Come out," he said. "The rain's done. Perhaps I shall understand a speech like that better in the open. And yet--how? To my ear that sounds a bit curious. Perhaps you'll explain it." "No, I shan't--though I might, I dare say. 'Tis for you to decide. I want to be friends." "Why not, I should like to know?" "No reason at all--if you'll lend me the money." "And I tell you I can't." "You mean that you won't." "Take it as you please, if you're such a fool." "No fool me--not by long chalks. Perhaps the boot's on the other leg. Not that I threaten anything." "'Threaten'! Good God A'mighty--who be you to threaten? Best be off--or I'll threaten--and do more than threaten!" "Strange, such a trumpet of the Lord as you are, that you never can keep your temper five minutes together with me. And yet I'm civil enough. Your education's to blame, I suppose. Well, I only ask you if you'll lend me a hundred pounds, and I only say you won't regret it if you do; but may possibly regret it if you don't. That's all." "If I could, I wouldn't--not now. You have said that I shall regret it if I don't. And I say 'Explain that, if you want to remain my friend.'" "I certainly shan't explain that. Only remember that those who think they stand, had sometimes better be careful lest they fall. And, as to friendship, I'm quite indifferent. If you refuse this loan you're not my friend, of course. Friendship is as friendship does. This is my way. I'll wish you good-bye and a good investment for your savings." "Better talk this out," said Brendon; but Jarratt Weekes was already on his way. He did not answer, and did not look back. Instead, he twirled his stick, whistled, and assumed a cheerful and careless air as he departed.