"By a speculation offered to me, but full of risk; but, if successful, placing me high above water-mark, so that no one need ever know the strait I am in. Still, if it fails--"
"And if it fails," said she, advancing, and laying her hand on his arm, her eyes full of eager light. She held her breath to hear the end of his speech.
"Honest men are ruined by a rogue," said he gloomily. "As I stand now, my creditors' money is safe--every farthing of it; but I don't know where to find my own--it may be all gone, and I penniless at this moment. Therefore, it is my creditors' money that I should risk."

'By a speculation offered to me, full of risk. If successful, no one need ever know the strait I am in. If it fails-'
'If it fails?' She held her breath.
'Honest men are ruined by a rogue,' said he gloomily. 'As I stand now, my creditors' money is safe; but I don't know where to find my own - I may be penniless. Therefore, it is my creditors' money that I would be risking.'
