Jack's manner and the tone
of his voice showed that a grave calamity had overtaken the boy.
He sat looking into Jack's eyes.
"Go on," he said, his heart in his mouth.
"I must have ten thousand dollars. How and where can I borrow it?"
Peter started. "Ten thousand dollars!" he repeated in undisguised
surprise. "Whew! Why, Jack, that's a very large sum of money for
you to want. Why, my dear boy, this is--well--well!"
"It is not for me, Uncle Peter--or I would not come to you for
it."
"For whom is it, then?" Peter asked, in a tone that showed how
great was his relief now that Jack was not involved.
"Don't ask me, please."
Peter was about to speak, but he checked himself. He saw it all
now. The money was for MacFarlane, and the boy did not like to say
so. He had heard something of Henry's financial difficulties
caused by the damage to the "fill." He thought that this had been
made good; he saw now that he was misinformed.
"When do you want it, Jack?" he resumed. He was willing to help,
no matter who it was for.
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