“Bottom dropped out; temporarily, anyway.”
“And my account?”
“Wiped out, I am sorry to say. Might come up by-and-by, if you've got a lot of money to put up, and wait.”
“Then it's all up,” said Jack, turning to the Major. He was very pale. He knew now that his fortune was gone absolutely—house, everything.
Few words were exchanged as they made their way back to the club. And here the Major did a most unusual thing for him. He ordered the drinks. But he did this delicately, apologetically.
“I don't know as you care for anything, but Wall Street has made me thirsty. Eh?”
“I don't mind if I do,” Jack replied.
And they sat down.
The conversation was not cheerful; it was mainly ejaculatory. After a second glass, Jack said, “I don't suppose it would do any good, but I should like to see Mavick.” And then, showing the drift of his thoughts, “I wonder what Carmen will do?”
“I should say that will depend upon the will,” replied the Major.