"Of course; they wouldn't operate for a fall if they had. On the other hand, if their anticipations proved correct, they could buy it for less than they sold at before they had to deliver."
"That," said Mrs. Hastings severely, "is pure gambling. It's sure to land one in the hands of the mortgage jobber."
Hastings smiled at the others. "As a matter of fact, it not infrequently does, but I want you to note the subtle distinction. The thing's quite legitimate if you've only got the wheat in a bag. In such a case you must naturally operate for a rise."
"There's a good deal to be said for that point of view," observed Sproatly. "You can keep the wheat if you're not satisfied, but when you try the other plan the margin that may vanish at any moment is the danger. I suppose Gregory has still been selling the Range wheat, Winifred?"
"I believe we have sent on every bushel."
Sproatly exchanged a significant glance with Hastings, whose face once more grew thoughtful.
"Then," said the latter drily, "if he's wise he'll stop at that."
Mrs. Hastings changed the subject, and drew her chair closer in to the stove, which snapped and crackled cheerfully.
"It must be a good deal colder where Harry is," she said with a shiver.
She flashed a swift glance at Agatha, and saw her expression change, but Sproatly broke in again.