ghtful
gentlemen, and all desirous of giving the right appearance and of
making the correct impression. For, be it known, of all men none are
so proud or vainglorious over the minor trappings of materialism as
those who have but newly achieved them. It is so essential apparently
to fulfil in manner and air, if not in fact, the principle of
"presence" which befits the role of conservator of society and leader
of wealth. Every one of those named and many more--to the number of
thirty--rode thus loftily forth in the hot, dry evening air and were
soon at the door of the large and comfortable home of Mr. Timothy
Arneel.

That important personage was not as yet present to receive his guests,
and neither were Messrs. Schryhart, Hand, nor Merrill. It would not be
fitting for such eminent potentates to receive their underlings in
person on such an occasion. At the hour appointed these four were
still in their respective offices, perfecting separately the details of
the plan upon which they had agreed and which, with a show of
informality and of momentary inspiration, they would later present.
For the time being their guests had to make the best of their absence.
Drinks and liquors were served, but these were of small comfort. A
rack provided for straw hats was for some reason not used, every one
preferring to retain his own head-gear. Against the background of wood
panneling and the chairs covered with summer linen the company
presented a galleryesque variety and interest. Messrs. Hull and
Stackpole, the corpses or victims over which this serious gathering
were about to sit in state, were not actually present within the room,
though they were within call in another part of the house, where, if
necessary, they could be reached and their advice or explanations
heard. This presumably brilliant assemblage of the financial weight
and intelligence of the city appeared as solemn as owls under the
pressure of a rumored impending financial crisis. Before Arneel's
appearance there was a perfect buzz of minor financial gossip, such as:

"You don't say?"

"Is it as serious as that?"

"I knew things were pretty shaky, but I was by no means certain how
shaky."

"Fortunately, we are not carrying much of that stock." (This from one
of the few really happy bankers.)

"This is a rather serious occasion, isn't it?"

"You don't tell me!"

"Dear, dear!"

Never a word in criticism from any source of either Hand or Schryhart
or