But there was trouble ahead of him if he didn't get it and he wouldn't give up; he kept on making promises--urging his need--and his willingness and ability to meet his obligations.

He was like a starving man in the presence of food, for he knew McBride had the money in his safe and the safe door was open.

His need seemed the only need in all the world, and it came to him that since McBride would not lend him the money he wanted, why not take it from him anyhow?
He couldn't see consequences, he could only realize that he must have two or three thousand dollars! Perhaps he got a glimmer of reason just here, and if he did he was pretty badly frightened to think that he should even consider violence; he turned away to leave McBride and the old man followed him a ways down the store, explaining why they couldn't do business." Gilmore paused.

His cigar had gone out; now he struck a match, but he did not take his eyes from Langham's face.

He did not speak at once even when his cigar was lighted.
Great beads of perspiration stood thick on Langham's brow, his hair was damp and clammy.