Alfino borrowed money from Yakutsk and agreed in writing to pay a rate of interest higher than that allowed by local law. Later, when Alfi no was called upon to pay, he refused, claiming that the agreement was void because of the usurious rate. Yakutsk, the lender, sued to collect. Yakutsk agreed to accept the legal rate of interest and felt he was entitled to collect the debt. Alfi no believed that the entire debt was void because of the illegality of the original agreement. In view of Yakutsk’s willingness to accept the legal rate of interest, can Alfi no be compelled to pay? [ Yakutsk v. Alfi no, 349 N.Y.S.2d 718 (New York).]