And how long do you expect it will take to pay me for the horses ?" Johnny hesitated before he plunged--but when he did he went deep enough in all conscience.

"With any kind of luck I expect to be square with you in a year at the latest." "A year.

H-mm! Will you sign a note for that three thousand, with interest at seven per cent., and give your flying machine as security ?" "I will, provided I can pay it any time within the year," Johnny answered, trying to read the poker face and failing as many a man had failed.
Sudden nodded, pulled a book of note blanks from a drawer and calmly drew up a note for three thousand dollars, payable "on or before" one year from date, with interest at seven per cent.

per annum, with a bill of sale of Johnny's airplane attached and taking effect automatically upon default of payment of the note.
Johnny read the document slowly, pursing his lips.

It was what he had proclaimed to Mary V that he wished to do, but seeing it there in black and white made the debt look bigger, the year shorter, the penalty of failure more severe.