"I know, but it cannot affect me. I have no investments now, with the solitary exception of my bank shares. All my affairs are settled, and the money in the bank until I decide how to invest it."
Mr. Moss groaned. "I wish you had it safely invested in consols. Is all your money there?"
"Every shilling. The only investments I have not realized are the shares I hold in the bank."
"That makes it all the worse. The shareholders are liable to the depositors."
"Yes."
The flush had died out of Mr. Moss' face, which was now white with apprehension. "They're calling it out in the streets--but here's the paper."
He pointed to a paragraph, which stated that one of the largest banks in the City had closed its doors half an hour before its time, and that the panic had in consequence reached an alarming height.
"There is no name mentioned, Mr. Moss."
"No, Cohen, no; but I passed through the City on my way here, and the name of the bank was on everyone's lips. If the bank stops payment
to-morrow how will you stand?"
"If it stops payment for sufficient cause," said Aaron in a steady voice, "I shall be a ruined man!"