"
proceeded Greifmann with indifference. "As they are all made payable on
sight, you are no doubt ready to meet this sudden rush with proud
composure," concluded the banker, with a smile of cold politeness.

But the dumfounded Erdblatt was far from enjoying proud composure. His
manner rather indicated inability to pay and panic terror. "Not only is
the accumulation of bills of exchange to the amount of sixty thousand
florins something abnormal, but it also argues carelessness," said he
tersely. "Were it attributable to accident, I should not complain; but
it has been occasioned by jealous rivalry. Besides, they are bills
first of exchange--it is something never heard of before--it is
revolting--there is a plot to ruin me! And I have no plea to allege for
putting off these bills, and I am, moreover, unable to pay them."

The banker shrugged his shoulders coldly, and his countenance became
grave.

"Might I not beg you to aid me, Mr. Greifmann?" said he anxiously. "Of
course, I shall allow you a high rate of interest."

"That is not practicable with bills of exchange," rejoined the banker
relentlessly.

"When will the bills be presented?" asked the leader, with increasing
anxiety.

"Perhaps as early as to-morrow," answered Greifmann, still more
relentless.

The manufacturer of tobacco was near fainting.

"I cannot conceive of your being embarrassed," said the banker coldly.
"Your popularity and influence will get you assistance from friends, in
case your exchequer happens not to be in a favorable condition."

"The amount is too great; I should have to borrow in several quarters.
This would give rise to reports, and endanger the credit of my firm."

"You are not wrong in your view," answered the banker coldly.
"Accidents may shake the credit of the most solid firm, and other
accidents may often change trifling difficulties into fatal
catastrophes. How often does it not occur that houses of the best
standing, which take in money at different places, are brought to the
verge of bankruptcy through public distrust?"

The words of the money prince were nowise calculated to reassure Mr.
Erdblatt.

"Be kind enough to accept the bills, and grant me time," pleaded he
piteously.

"That, sir, would be contrary to all precedents in business," rejoined
Greifmann, with an icy smile. "Our house never deviates from the paths
of hereditary custom."

"I could pay in ten thousand florins at once," said Erdblatt once more.