Norman hesitated. "I believe so," he said.
Tetlow rose and rubbed his thighs. He had been sitting long in the same
position, and he was now stout enough to suffer from fat man's cramp.
"Well," said he, "we needn't bother about that Universal Fuel scheme at
present. I can guarantee you the three thousand dollars, and the other
things."
Norman shook his head. "Not enough," he said.
"You want more money?"
"No. But I will not work, or rather, wait, in the dark. Tell your
principals that I must be let in."
Tetlow hesitated, walking about the office. Finally he said, "Look here,
Fred--you think I deceived you the other day--posed as your friend when
in reality I was simply acting as agent for people who wanted you."
Norman gave Tetlow a look that made him redden with pleasure. "No, I
don't, old man," said he. "I know you recommended me--and that they were
shy of me because of the way I've been acting--and that you stood
sponsor for me. Isn't that right?"
"Something like that," admitted Tetlow. "But they were eager to get you.
It was only a question of trusting you. I was able to do you a good turn
there."
"And I'll make a rich man, and a famous one, of you," said Norman.
"Yes. I believe you will," cried Tetlow, tears in his prominent studious
eyes. "I'll see those people in a day or two, and let you know. Do you
need money right away? Of course you do." And down he sat and drew a
check for fifteen hundred dollars.
Norman laughed as he glanced to see if it was correctly drawn. "I'd not
have dared return to my bride with empty pockets. That's what it means
to live in New York."