ich
followed he always reckoned the bitterest of his life.

CHAPTER XL

A little earlier than usual next morning Trent was at his office in the
City, prepared for the worst, and in less than half an hour he found
himself face to face with one of those crises known to most great
financiers at some time or other during their lives. His credit was
not actually assailed, but it was suspended. The general public did not
understand the situation, even those who were in a measure behind the
scenes found it hard to believe that the attack upon the Bekwando Gold
and Land shares was purely a personal one. For it was Da Souza who had
fired the train, who had flung his large holding of shares upon the
market, and, finding them promptly taken up, had gone about with many
pious exclamations of thankfulness and sinister remarks. Many smaller
holders followed suit, and yet never for a moment did the market waver.
Gradually it leaked out that Scarlett Trent was the buyer, and public
interest leaped up at once. Would Trent be able to face settling-day
without putting his vast holdings upon the market? If so the bulls
were going to have the worst knock they had had for years--and
yet--and yet--the murmur went round from friend to friend--"Sell your
Bekwandos."

At midday there came an urgent message from Trent's bankers, and as he
read it he cursed. It was short but eloquent.

"DEAR SIR,--We notice that your account to-day stands 119,000 pounds
overdrawn, against which we hold as collateral security shares in
the Bekwando Land Company to the value of 150,000 pounds. As we have
received certain very disquieting information concerning the value of
these shares, we must ask you to adjust the account before closing hours
to-day, or we shall be compelled to place the shares upon the market.

"Yours truly,

"A. SINCLAIR, General Manager."

Trent tore the letter into atoms, but he never quailed. Telegraph and
telephone worked his will, he saw all callers, a cigar in his mouth and
flower in his buttonhole, perfectly at his ease, sanguine and confident.
A few minutes before closing time he strolled into the bank and no one
noticed a great bead of perspiration which stood out upon his forehead.
He made out a credit slip for 119,000 pounds, and, passing it across the
counter with a roll of notes and cheques, asked for his shares.

They sent for the manager. Trent was ushered with much ceremony into his
private room. The manager was