"But you're all in, boy. I've been watching your fight, even before your return. Tampico Pet is your last."
Francis shook his head.
"I'd scarcely say that," he lied. "I've got assets my market enemies never dream of. I'm luring them on, that's all, just luring them on. Of course, Regan, I'm telling you this in confidence. You were my father's friend. Mine is going to be some clean up, and, if you'll take my tip, in this short market you start buying. You'll be sure to settle with the sellers long in the end."
"What are your other assets?"
Francis shrugged his shoulders.
"That's what they're going to find out when they're full up with my stuff."
"It's a bluff!" Regan admired explosively. "You've got the old man's nerve, all right. But you've got to show me it isn't bluff."
Regan waited, and Francis was suddenly inspired.
"It is," he muttered. "You've named it. I'm drowning — over my back-teeth now, and they're the highest out of the wash. But I won't drown if you will help me. All you've got to do is to remember my father and put out your hand to save his son. If you'll back me up, we'll make them all sick…"
And right there the Wolf of Wall Street showed his teeth. He pointed to Richard Henry Morgan's picture.