"Well, even at that, it would not be my first experience," I said
swiftly. "Poverty is extremely unpleasant, but not a crime. Do not
let that unfortunate condition of my exchequer spoil your appetite, my
girl. I can assure you that is among the least of my troubles. In
fact I have of late become hardened to that state of affairs. My life
has been up and down; I 've ridden the top wave of prosperity, and have
knocked against the rocks at the bottom. Lately I 've been on the
rocks. But good luck, or bad, I am not the sort to desert a woman in
distress."

"You are a man of some education?"

"Two years at the University."

"And now?"

I smiled grimly, determined to admit the worst.

"Little better than a tramp, I suppose, although I have held a job
lately--driving for a lumber yard across the river."

A moment she sat in silence, her eyes lowered to the table.

"What--what was that you offered the man for security?" she asked
quietly.

"Oh, nothing much. It had no intrinsic value, and the fellow would not
even accept it. He was willing to trust me."