Murkard spread the paper out on the desk, and, clearing his throat in an effort to gain time, did as he was commanded.
In plain English, it was to the effect that unless the overdraft could be reduced by one-half within an absurdly short space of time, the bank would be compelled to realise upon its security, which would mean that the station would be closed, and Ellison and his wife thrown upon the world.
Ellison sank his head upon his hands, and groaned like a wounded bull.
"If only I could raise two thousand pounds," he sighed for the thousandth time.
"That's exactly what we must do at once. And why not? Is it so very impossible?"
"Of course; you must know that it is. Haven't we discussed the question over and over again, in all its lights, for the last six weeks?"
"I know that as well as you do. But I've been thinking on a different tack these last two days."
"With what result? For mercy's sake don't play with me! I believe I'd kill you if you did. What have you been thinking?"
"Why, look here, Ellison, the position's just this: You are a married man, and you are likely soon to be more than that. Must you think of yourself just now, or are you bound to think of your wife?"
"To think of my wife, of course. Have I thought of myself at all since I've been married?"
"No, I'll grant you've been wonderfully unselfish. Well, this is the crux of it all. Are you prepared to make a big sacrifice for her sake? Are you prepared to make a sacrifice that will humble your pride to the very ground, but will probably be the means of saving the life you love? Are you prepared to do this, I say?"
"Of course I am. There is nothing in the world I would not do to save her. Surely you know me well enough by this time to know that!"
"Very good. That being so, we will proceed to business." He took up a pen and fell to tracing circles on the blotting-pad in front of him. "In the first place, do you remember the night you rowed her to the township and brought her back by moonlight?"
Ellison's face became suddenly pale. He shifted on his seat uneasily.
"I was lonely that evening and went for a walk. I strolled down to Alligator Point and sat on the rocks above the water."
"The sea was as calm as a mill-pond, and the night was so still that I could almost hear people talking across the strait. I saw you leave the township, and I watched you sail towards where I sat. Your voices were plainly audible to me, and, forgive me, Ellison, but--I heard----"