“From the looks of the check-stubs, and other indications,” said Mr. Lattimore, “I should say the most of it went into Board of Trade deals.”
Cornish was swearing in a repressed way, and above his black beard his face was pale. Elkins sat drumming idly on the desk with his fingers.
“Gentlemen,” said he, “I take it to be conceded that unless the Trescott paper is cared for, things will go to pieces here. That’s the same as saying that it must be taken up at all hazards.”
“Not exactly,” said Cornish, “at all hazards.”
“Well,” said Jim, “it amounts to that. Has any one any suggestions as to the course to be followed?”
Mr. Cornish asked whether it would not be best to take time, allow the probate proceedings to drag along, and see what would turn up.
“But the Trust Company’s guaranties,” said Mr. Hinckley, with a banker’s scent for the complications of commercial paper, “must be made good on presentation, or it may as well close its doors.”
“The thing won’t ‘drag along’ successfully,” said Jim. “Have you a schedule of the assets?”
“Yes,” said Mr. Lattimore. “The life-insurance money and the home are exempt from liability for debts, and I’ve left them out; but the other properties you’ll find listed here.”
And he threw down on the desk a folded document in a legal wrapper.