"Say it; but also say why it is preposterous."
Two directors of the bank came in. They were high in high finance. In fact, they were High Finance. They therefore knew only the newspapers of an older generation, as they had proven by their testimony before a Congressional Committee. The older director looked at Mr. Goodchild and began:
"Goodchild, will you tell me why—"
"You, too?" interrupted Mr. Goodchild, reproachfully but respectfully. "First the reporters and now—"
The directors gasped.
"You didn't—actually—talk—for—publication?"
They stared at him incredulously.
"No. But I'm thinking of giving out a carefully prepared statement—"
The higher of the high financiers, with the masterfulness that made him richer every panic, assumed supreme command. He turned to the Post man and said: "I'm surprised to see you here. Your paper used to be decent. Mr. Goodchild has nothing to say."
"But—" protested the anguished father of Grace Goodchild.