He did not, for an instant,
suspect collusion between him and Martin.
"Yes; he very coolly proposed that I should lend him that sum, enable
him to carry on some lead-mining operations in the west."
"Preposterous!"
"So I told him."
"Well, what did he say?"
"Oh, he blustered, and made covert threats of exposure, of course."
"The scoundrel!" said Grind, fiercely.
"He's a villain double-dyed. I have never ceased to regret that we
brought him into this business. We should have had a man of better
spirit--of a nicer sense of honour."
"Yes, Mr. Jasper, that is true enough," replied Grind; "but the
mischief is, your men of nicer honour are too squeamish for the kind
of work in which we employed him. This is the defect in all such
operations. Men cannot be thoroughly trusted."
The merchant sighed. He felt too deeply the force of Grind's remark.
"You know," said he, "this Martin better than I do. What is his
character? Is he a mere blusterer, whose bark is worse than his bite;
or is he vindictive and unscrupulous?"
"Both vindictive and unscrupulous. I must warn you not to provoke his
ill-will. He would take delight in exposing all he knows about this
business, if he is once fairly turned against you. A fast friend--he
is a bitter enemy."
"But see what a price he demands for his friendship! I have already
given him some five thousand dollars for his services, and now he
demands ten more.
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