THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE.
Vance returned to the Rookery Building in a very depressed state of mind.
His interview with Mr. Jarboe seemed to indicate that nothing short of absolute ruin now faced his employer—the old man who at that moment lay at his home almost at the point of death.
The afternoon papers contained an account of Mr. Whitemore’s misfortune, and hinted at its probable bearing on the next day’s corn market.
Several reporters were waiting to interview Vance on his return.
To these gentlemen he was courteous but extremely reticent.
He insisted that the published reports were grossly exaggerated, and put as bright a complexion on the situation as he could.
But he was up against the fact that other reporters had visited Mr. Whitemore’s residence and had learned that his condition was critical.
“Poor Mr. Whitemore,” said Bessie, with tears in her eyes, “it is awful to think he may never recover from that cruel blow.”
“Perhaps it will be as well he does not,” said Vance gloomily.