John wondered why the old gentleman was relating all of this to him. What had he to do with it? He said nothing, kept looking at the man, noticing how upset he was.
"Well," Ainsworth said, at length, turning toward the door. "If you say you don't have the money, then I suppose HI have to accept that."
"It's the truth," John said.
Ainsworth paused with his hand on the doorknob. "I was going to ask you to return a part of it, Mr. Deering. That's how hard up I am."
"Sorry," John said. "Talk to your son about it. He must have it."
"Yes, of course. Thank you for letting me talk to you, young man."
"Quite all right," John said, and watched the old man as he walked out of the room and down the corridor. A few moments later, John closed the door, lighted a cigarette, and pondered the matter.
