The reading of the estimates being concluded, Delobelle, dismayed to find that they were drawing near the corner of the Rue des Vieilles-Haudriettes, put the question squarely.

Would Risler advance the money, yes or no?
"Well!--no," said Risler, inspired by heroic courage, which he owed principally to the proximity of the factory and to the thought that the welfare of his family was at stake.
Delobelle was astounded.

He had believed that the business was as good as done, and he stared at his companion, intensely agitated, his eyes as big as saucers, and rolling his papers in his hand.
"No," Risler continued, "I can't do what you ask, for this reason." Thereupon the worthy man, slowly, with his usual heaviness of speech, explained that he was not rich.

Although a partner in a wealthy house, he had no available funds.

Georges and he drew a certain sum from the concern each month; then, when they struck a balance at the end of the year they divided the profits.