"The Minister of Foreign Affairs, is he not?" asked Guy.
Hora nodded, and turned to another page from which he read: "Just before the close all markets sagged badly on selling orders from Berlin. A variety of rumours were afloat as to the reason, but no definite information which would supply justification for a bear raid on the market was forthcoming from any well-informed quarter. In the street, afterwards, prices were put up again generally, though fluctuations were considerable."
"Yes," said Guy, beginning to look puzzled.
"The third item is a mere addition to the Reuter's telegram from Australia, giving particulars of the cricket match between the English and Australian teams. The result is placed in the space left for late news, and over it are the words "delayed in transmission.""
Hora ceased speaking.
"If the rehabilitation of our fortunes depends upon translating that puzzle we shall end our days in the workhouse yet," said Guy.
"Yet, there is much wealth for the man who can piece together those scraps of information, and will act promptly on the knowledge," answered Hora.
"How? By speculation on the Stock Exchange?" asked Guy. "I thought, Commandatore, that you eschewed all forms of gambling."
"I do," said Hora drily. "But to buy and sell on a certainty has nothing of the gambling element about it. I feel inclined to make either the bulls or the bears contribute to our maintenance. But action must be prompt if it is to succeed. There is work for you to do to-night, Guy, if you care about it."
"Care about it?" The young man sprang to his feet, every fibre of his frame quivering for action.