In the midst of his schemes, the bell rang at the door, and Talbot was announced. Mr. Belcher was always glad to see him, for he had no association with his speculations. Talbot had uniformly been friendly and ready to serve him. In truth, Talbot was almost his only friend.
"Toll, have you heard the news?"
"About the International Mail?"
"Yes."
"I've heard something of it, and I've come around this morning to get the facts. I shall be bored about them all day by your good friends, you know."
"Well, Toll, I've had a sweat."
"You're not crippled?"
"No, but I've lost every dollar I have made since I've been in the city. Jones has gone under; Pell has gone under. Cramp & Co. will have to make a statement, and get a little time, but they will swim. The General is the only man of the lot who isn't shaken. But, Toll, it's devilish hard. It scares me. A few more such slices would spoil my cheese."
"Well, now, General, why do you go into these things at all? You are making money fast enough in a regular business."
"Ah, but it's tame, tame, tame! I must have excitement. Theatres are played out, horses are played out, and suppers raise the devil with me."