It was Saturday morning. Business was progressing nicely at the Middletown Trust Company. Judge, in his luxurious office, was quietly reading the newspaper accounts of last night's great banquet. Major entered the office, and Judge looked up. Maurice Exton, cashier, smiled at David Traver, president. Major closed the door behind him. The two men were where no eavesdroppers could possibly hear what their conversation was.
"Still reading the headlines, eh, Judge?" questioned Major. "Great stuff all right."
"I am just as much interested in the absent news," replied Judge, "as in the news that is present. There wasn't much space for anything but the banquet. Martha Delmar's statement was not picked up by the morning newspapers."
"That's good."
"Stability," said Judge, with a smile. "That has been the keynote today. I have been watching the customers, Major. You have been busier than either Ferret or Butcher."
"Tellers don't make loans," grinned Major. "That's the cashier's job. Going great guns, today, Judge. Cash going out — securities coming in. That's the racket from now on."
"Yes," said Judge thoughtfully. "It's very good. You've been doing it well, Major."
"All short loans," declared Major. "Giving them more than they asked for. Most of the borrowers were hit when the County National crashed. They won't be able to make the grade when the notes are due."
"We'll have lots of securities to dispose of," agreed Judge. "I think I'll send you to Chicago, Major, when the time comes. Transform the stocks and bonds into yellowbacks. Then bring them here."
"Yellowbacks in — greenbacks out," said Major, with a smile.