"You have covered your sales, sir?" he asked.
"No, sir," said Barrington. "I have not."
"Then I wonder whether it would be presumption if I asked you a question?"
Barrington looked at him steadily. "To be frank, I fancy it would be better if you did not. I have, of course, only my own folly to blame for believing I could equal your natural aptitude for this risky amusement which I had, and still have, objections to. I was, however, in need of money, and seeing your success, yielded to the temptation. I am not laying any of the responsibility on you, but am not inclined to listen to more of your suggestions."
Winston met his gaze without embarrassment. "I am sorry you have been unfortunate, sir."
Just then Dane joined them. "I sat up late last night in the hope of seeing you," he said. "Now, I don't know what to make of the market, but there were one or two fellows who would have bought my estimated crop from me at a figure which would have about covered working expenses. Some of the others who did not know you were coming in, put their affairs in my hands too."
"Sell nothing," said Winston quietly.
It was an hour later when a messenger from Graham found them in the smoking-room, and Colonel Barrington smiled dryly as he tore up the envelope handed him.
"'Market opened with sellers prevailing. Chicago flat!'" he read.
Dane glanced at Winston somewhat ruefully, but the latter's eyes were fixed on Colonel Barrington.