ouble."

He raised his eyes to the announcer's balcony.

"The Eastern and Western Fire Insurance Company of New York announces
that it cannot meet its obligations."

A low sound something like "Haw!" broke forth. The announcer's gavel
struck for order.

"The Erie Fire Insurance Company of Rochester announces that it cannot
meet its obligations."

Again that "H-a-a-a-w!"

Once more the gavel.

"The American Trust Company of New York has suspended payment."

"H-a-a-a-w!"

The storm was on.

"What do you think?" asked Targool. "You can't brave this storm. Can't
you quit selling and hold out for a few days? Why not sell short?"

"They ought to close this thing up," Cowperwood said, shortly. "It would
be a splendid way out. Then nothing could be done."

He hurried to consult with those who, finding themselves in a similar
predicament with himself, might use their influence to bring it about.
It was a sharp trick to play on those who, now finding the market
favorable to their designs in its falling condition, were harvesting a
fortune. But what was that to him? Business was business. There was no
use selling at ruinous figures, and he gave his lieutenants orders to
stop. Unless the bankers favored him heavily, or the stock exchange
was closed, or Stener could be induced to deposit an additional three
hundred thousand with him at once, he was ruined. He hurried down
the street to various bankers and brokers suggesting that they do
this--close the exchange. At a few minutes before twelve o'clock
he drove rapidly to the station to meet Stener; but to his great
disappointment the latter did not arrive. It looked as though he had
missed his train. Cowperwood sensed something, some trick; and decided
to go to the city hall and also to Stener's house. Perhaps he had
returned and was trying to avoid him.

Not finding him at his office, he drove direct to his house. Here he
was not surprised to meet Stener just coming out, looking very pale and
distraught. At the sight of Cowperwood he actually blanched.

"Why, hello, Frank," he exclaimed, sheepishly, "where do you come from?"

"What's up, George?" asked Cowperwood. "I thought you were coming into
Broad Street."

"So I was," returned Stener, foolishly, "but I thought I would get off
at West Philadelphia and change my clothes. I've a lot of things
to 'tend to yet this afternoon. I was coming in to see you." After
Cowperwood's urgent telegram this was silly, but the