BOOK III
Future—the hidden meanings of Past and Present, a dark picture. Imagination flashes the light of Prophecy, foretells life’s realization or disillusion, the Soul’s victory or defeat.
“Fiction, my Masters! All is Fiction!”
BOOK III
1
IT took some years to become a “rich fool,” but Garrison accomplished it. He had no business ability, at least that is what he told people, and honestly believed it; how could he? he had never been in business. He thought it well over, and became what he had always condemned in others—a gambler. He risked every dollar he had, and all he could borrow in hazardous real estate speculations. It was touch and go many times, as the values rose and fell. They called him “Lucky Garrison”; he knew better, but there was a grim satisfaction in his success. He realized as he had learnt to manipulate money that a man can attain nothing without it. Other “big” interests developed. Every bit of his energy came into play; there was always some interesting thing coming up, which led to great connections, such as international finance and the like. New “deals” got to be a necessary physical tonic, like a cocktail before dinner, and a strong cigar and black coffee after....