If they get me it will be not for $20,000 but for $2,000,000. I propose to make the fight of my life. I wonder what Miss Harding would think if she knew I were engaged in a deal of this magnitude?
On Thursday I instructed my business agents to convert certain negotiable assets into cash, and to arrange for an extension of my credit with the banks. I now propose to follow N.O. & G. to the bottom—if there be one—and if not I shall drop with my money into the fathomless void of bankruptcy.
I called on my broker.
"I wish to get out," I said to him. "I will take my losses. This has been an expensive experience to me."
"I do not imagine, Mr. Smith," he said, "that the loss of $23,000 will seriously cripple you or disturb your serenity."
I made a gesture of despair.
"If that were all I would not give it a thought," I said. He looked at me curiously.
"I hope that you are not long on this stock to any great extent," he said.
"I should have said nothing about it," I returned, looking as distressed as possible. "Please make no inference from my remark, and keep this transaction entirely an office secret."
"It is not necessary to caution me," he quickly said.