human
I understand your father's unable to pay the debt for you,
gpt
Yes; he'd probably disown me if he heard of it. I don't expect this to interest you, but some of his neighbors have money, and when they saw the settlement was threatened they'd raise a fund to buy you out. You might, of course, make them wait, but if they were ready to find the cash, you'd have to give up your mortgages when they fell due.
human
If these men are so rich, why don't you ask them to lend you the money?
gpt
Because I've bled them as much as they will stand, and they'd think the matter serious enough to hold a council about. This would have the result I've just indicated. I think you see now that you had better help me to settle my most pressing claims.
human
It strikes me that your talents were wasted in the army. You might have made your mark in my business if you'd gone into it before you took to betting. That's your weak spot. A gambler never makes good.
gpt
Perhaps. But what about the loan?
human
Your name wouldn't be worth five cents on paper, said Davies dryly.
gpt
However, if you could get somebody with means to endorse it, I might be able to discount it for you. The rate would be high.
human
Men who wouldn't lend me money would be shy of giving me their signature.
gpt
That's so; but there's the chance that they might not be called upon to make good. You'll have to persuade them that things are sure to change for the better in, say, three months. Can you do so? I must have a solid man.