"Perhaps it is not true?"
"It is true! Your highness is my faithful biographer; but allow me to fill up the details of the memoir. The unlooked-for misfortune of yesterday can be repaired to-morrow; the unlucky speculation may be glossed over if a better takes its place; a small defeat is compensated by a great victory. What use does your highness intend to make of this brochure?"
"Frankly, I intend, as soon as you declare your new loan, to circulate this pamphlet freely on 'change. I shall then set the bears to work, so that in no time your shares shall be driven out of the market."
"I guessed as much, and, to be frank, it was on this very account that I have come here, to prevent, if I can, such ruin to myself."
Felix tried by continuous winking of his eyes to express his despair. He put his right hand into his vest, and in a low voice added:
"Perhaps when you see me stretched dead before you your aim will then be accomplished."
Prince Waldemar broke into an irrepressible fit of laughter and clapped Kaulmann on the shoulder.
"I beg of you not to act a farce for my benefit. You did not come here to blow your brains out. Nothing of the sort; you came to sell me something. You are a ruined speculator, but you still possess one jewel of value, a wonderful black carbuncle which you found in the coal-mine and got smoothly cut, which you have already sold at a great profit, but which is now back on your hands. You are perfectly aware that I desire to get this jewel if I can, that I am willing to offer all I have for it; and this is why you have come here to-day. Let us understand one another. I will treat with you. What is your price?"
The prince threw himself back in his chair, but he let Kaulmann stand without again asking him to be seated.
The banker gave up his tragic manner, and resumed his customary cool, hard, matter-of-fact voice.