Isaac explained. A complete run. For the last hour, ever since the bank opened, people had been thronging in.
Thomas paused. “I cannot imagine what can have led to it,” he resumed. “Is my brother visible?”
“Oh yes, sir.”
“That is well. He can assure them all that we are solvent: that there is no fear. Have the remittances come down?”
“Yes, sir. But they will be nothing, Mr. Hurde says, with a run like this.”
“Be so kind as to touch that bell for me, Isaac, to bring up my servant. I will be at the Bank immediately.”
Isaac rang the bell, left the room, and hastened back again. The Bank was fuller than ever: and its coffers must be getting low.
“Do you happen to know whether my father has been in?” he whispered to Layton, next to whom he stood.
Layton shook his head negatively. “I think not. I have not observed him.”
Isaac stood upon thorns. He might not quit his post. Every time the doors swung to and fro—and they were incessantly swinging—he looked for Mr. Hastings. But he looked in vain. By-and-by Mr. Hurde came forward, a note in his hand. “Put on your hat, Layton, and take this round,” said he. “Wait for an answer.”