"How's Hollyoke Central selling?"
"It closed yesterday at 86-3/4."
"Good time to buy."
"I doubt that, Mr. Gallivant. It seems to be slowly going the wrong way for buying. But you might sell to advantage."
"There, now, that shows you. I tell you I'm rattled. You see, the very first thing I suggest you discourage. Think I'd better hold off."
They had now reached the broker's office, in which Mr. Gallivant was presently ensconced at ease.
"You are right," said Thwicket, handing out a case of cigars, "in saying that the market is queer. Something very curious has got hold of it. As you know, I avoid giving advice to my customers, and I'm not going to advise you; but if you will notice the state of affairs with regard to Snapshot Consolidated, you will see something that ought to make you open your eyes."
"What is it?"
"Didn't you read the market reports in this morning's papers?"
"Haven't looked at a market report for three weeks."