Directions: The question is a logical sequence of statements with a missing link, the location of which is shown parenthetically. Choose the alternative that best fits the sequence logically.

A defect in the law may sometimes raise the rate of interest considerably above what the condition of the country, as to wealth or poverty, would require. When the law does not enforce the performance of contracts, it puts (.) with bankrupts or people of doubtful credit in better regulated countries. The uncertainty of recovering his money makes the lender exact the same usurious interest which is usually required from bankrupts.