The Mechanics' Savings Bank had been organized by Mr. Felix Gray, the owner of the tool works, who presided over both places. He was a man of fifty, with an unusually sharp and irritable disposition.
As Jack approached the bank he noticed a large crowd collected in and around the building.
"I suppose, as they can't get their pay, they want to withdraw some of their savings," was his thought as he drew nearer.
An instant later a queer cry came from the interior of the bank, and it was quickly taken up by those outside.
"What is it?" asked the young machinist, of a bystander.
"They've suspended payment," was the short reply.
"What!" gasped Jack, in horror. "You don't mean it?"
But at the same time the crowd cried out loudly, in angry tones:
"The bank's burst! She's gone up for good! No money for the poor man! We can all starve!"
CHAPTER II.