Geary knew very well that though Hiram Wade had sued for twenty-five thousand dollars he could not recover more than five thousand, if as much as that.

Geary did not know the exact state of Vandover's affairs, but he did not think that his chum would sell any property in order to make the payment of damages.

It was much more likely that he would raise the five thousand, or whatever it might be, by placing a second mortgage on some of his property.

This, however, was presuming that Wade would get judgment for about five thousand dollars.

But suppose that Vandover thought that Wade could actually recover twenty-five thousand! Suppose that Geary himself should see Vandover and induce him to believe such a story, and to settle the affair out of court! Vandover was as ignorant of law as he was of business.