The Heart and the Will by Susan Evans McCloud

Author:Susan Evans McCloud [McCloud, Susan Evans]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 2019-06-19T00:00:00+00:00

12

Tidings do I bring and lucky joys,

And golden times and happy news.

HENRY IV, PART 2

Edwin didn't mean to overhear the conversation. He was sitting in the greasy spoon restaurant alone. Tom, with his back to him, wasn't aware of his presence. Edwin had good ears and a long habit of pure concentration when necessary. Once he tuned into the exchange he turned his total attention upon it. The two men were, apparently, close friends. One was asking questions and Tom was replying—in a quiet voice, but distinct and slow.

"It's not capital, I've got what they normally require. It's backing; they want more security, what old man Turner called 'a sound footing, young man; just in case'—"

"Well, their 'just in case' won't happen, they know that. And they know you've got what it takes to succeed. It has to be a safe bet for them."

Tom shook his head. "They don't want a safe bet, they want a sound proposition. It's company management more than the bank. They think I'm too young. I have no real experience behind me. If I had a partner or some form of securities guaranteed . . ."

Edwin might not have thought of it; the idea might never have come without jogging. He had enough on his mind as it was right now. But Tom's friend did the trick inadvertently.

"Too bad Nan's not around still. She's got all that money—"

Tom stood, upsetting his glass; Edwin shrank into his corner. "Don't even hint at such an idea, Hansen. I'd beg in the streets before I'd take money from Nan."

"Settle down, Tom. You're so cockeyed where Nan's con­cerned. Finish your hamburger, will ya?"

Tom sunk slowly back into his seat. Edwin pressed the tips of his fingers together. His mind was racing, churning the prospects back and forth restively. I could pull it off! For a shilling I ought to try it. It was a game, and Edwin was in need of a game right now. It would please Nan. He liked that thought. This country bumpkin disdained Edwin, and that grated on him. If he is forced to receive aid from a man he mistrusts and despises, Edwin thought with relish, what could be sweeter victory?

He waited until some time after the two men had left together. He was carefully plotting his course, going over the fine details in his mind. The challenge of the situation appealed to him strongly, the idea of pitting himself-his wit, his nerve-against unknown odds. He rose, paid his bill, and left the restaurant, then strolled casually down the street to the bank on the corner. By that time the exhilara­tion had coursed through his system. He was ready; in fact, he was eager. He walked through the door, looked around a moment, assessing the layout, then sauntered back to where the private offices clustered. "Is Mr. Turner in?" he asked a secretary.

She looked up. When she saw him she smiled; Edwin was charming. "May I say who's calling?"

"Edwin Bain. But the name will mean nothing to him.

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