ment and
of policy which they did not wish to touch upon, and their nervousness
manifested itself in an assumption of friendliness and good fellowship
quite unusual.

Senator Lowe, the bank's attorney and secretary, was arranging his
minute books, his reports, and his miscellaneous papers, Martin Murphy
was telling his latest story, when a knock came at the door to the
directors' room. Bell himself answered it, but his protest at the
interruption died upon his lips when he beheld Calvin Gray, Gus
Briskow, and the latter's son, Ozark, facing him.

Gray spoke sharply, and his words fell with the effect of a bomb, at
least upon Bell and Henry, for what he said was: "We are attending this
meeting as stockholders, and we came early to enable the secretary to
record the necessary transfer of our shares."

Disregarding the president's gasp of astonishment, the speaker pushed
past him and entered, then introduced himself and his companions to the
other men present.

Henry Nelson experienced a sick moment of dizziness; the room grew
black before his eyes. It was Bell who broke out, harshly:

"_Stockholders?_ Where did _you_ get any stock in this bank, I'd like
to know?"

"We bought it. Picked it up here and there--"

"I don't believe it!" Bell glared at the speaker, then he turned his
eyes upon Swope, upon Murphy, upon Gage. "Did any of you sell out?"

"We don't own enough to make it worth while," Swope said, dryly. Murphy
and Gage agreed. Bell's peculiar display of emotion surprised them;
they exchanged glances. "I thought there wasn't any stock outside of
what's owned by our group. What's the idea?"

Gray answered, easily. "There is now a considerable amount outside of
that. A very considerable amount."

Henry Nelson made himself audible for the first time, and sneered
angrily. "Quite theatric, Gray, this eleventh-hour move. How much have
you got? What's your--your object?" In spite of himself his voice shook.

"My object is purely selfish." Gray's tone was equally unpleasant. He
had expected to create a sensation, and he was not disappointed. "Mr.
Briskow and his son are looking for a secure investment, and I have
convinced them of the soundness of your institution. My operations make
it necessary for me to establish a close banking affiliation--one where
I can ask for and receive consideration"--his mockery was now
unmistakable--"so where should I turn, except to my friends? I assume
you make no objection to th