“I sell ...” it came denser and denser. The brokers of the big banks shouted themselves hoarse. The noise increased. The stocks fell.

“Now ... now is the time to buy,” thought Christopher in deadly excitement. His shrieks joined the general pandemonium.

“People’s Bank, ninety-two....”

“Eighty ...” bellowed a brute voice.

“Seventy-six....”

Arms rose. Hands moved from their wrists, flabby, like rags.

“Industrial Bank....”

“Credit Institute....”

“Forty-five ... forty-two.”

Faces were aflame. The gamble became a wildfire, roasting people’s skins. Rumours spread through the hall. Nobody knew whence they came, they simply were suddenly there and then scattered all over the place.