Part 24 (2/2)
”Two hundred and fifty dollars in cash,” Archie added, ”and seven hundred and fifty in credit at the warehouse”
”What's the security?” Sir Archibald blandly inquired
”Security!” Archie gasped
”It is a customary consideration in business,” said Sir Archibald
Archie's house of cards see about his ears
Security? He had not thought of that He began to druot up and began to pace the floor, his hands thrust deep in his pockets, his lips pursed, his bron in a scowl of reflection Sir Archibald, recognizing his own habit in his son's perturbation, smiled in a fatherly-fond way The boy was very dear to him; no doubt about it But Sir Archibald was not sentimental in the affection
”Well, sir,” said Archie, by and by, his face clearing as he sat down, ”I could offer you security, and good enough security, but it doesn't seem quite fair”
Sir Archibald asked the nature of the bond
”I have a pony and cart, a”I 'low,” he drawled, with a sly drooping of his eyelids, ”that they're worth more than a thousand dollars Eh, father?
What do _you_ think?”
Sir Archibald guffawed
”The trouble is,” Archie went on, seriously, ”that you gave them to me; and it doesn't seem fair to you to offer them as security But I tell you, dad,” he declared, ”if we don't s and do without 'em It isn't fair, I know--it seems pretty iven me But I do care; and you know I care The trouble is that I want awfully to go trading”
”It is the only security you have?”
”Except mother,” said Archie ”But,” he added, hastily, ”I wouldn't--I _won't_--drag a lady into this”
Sir Archibald threw back his head and roared
”What you laughing at, dad?” Archie asked, a little offended, if a quick flush
”I'm sure,” his father replied, ”that the lady wouldn't rave with his little proble like that”
”Son,” said Sir Archibald, now all at once turning very serious, ”you have better security than your pony and sloop”
Archie looked up in bewilderently, ”and your efficiency”
Archie flushed with pleasure
”These are great things to possess,” said Sir Archibald
”Thank you, sir,” said Archie, rising in acknowledgenuinely moved