Marsh shook his head and made a bear-trap mouth.

"Why don't you go to Prescott, Johnson? There's where your stuff is. They
know you better than we do."

"Why, Mr. Marsh, I don't want to go to Prescott. Takes too long. I need
this money right away."

"Really--but that is hardly our affair, is it?" A frosty smile
accompanied the query.

"Aw, what's wrong? Isn't that security all right?" urged Pete.

"No doubt the security is exactly as you say," said the banker, "but your
property is in another county, a long distance from here. We would have
to make inquiries and send the mortgage to be filed in Prescott--very
inconvenient. Besides, as I told you before, money is tight. We regret
that we cannot see our way to accommodate you. This is final!"

"Shucks!" said Pete, crestfallen and disappointed; he lingered
uncertainly, twisting his hat brim between his hands.

"That is final," repeated the banker. "Was there anything else?"

"A check to cash," said Pete humbly.

He went back into the lobby, much chastened; the spring lock of the door
snapped behind him.

"Wait on this gentleman, if you please, Mr. Hudson," said Marsh, and