Consequently there was a subdued feeling of excitement in the air.
Brokers with their pockets crammed with selling orders constantly came on the floor, adding to the din.
Eyes were cast frequently and nervously at the clock, noting the slow crawling of the minute hand toward the half-hour mark.
Representatives from Jarboe, Willicutt & Co. were ready to sell the minute the gong opened proceedings.
Apparently all bulls had sought cover on this fateful morning.
From the Western Union desks, located in a great railed-in space in the northwest angle of the floor, came an incessant ticking of the telegraph sounders, and messenger boys pushed their way hither and thither across the floor with yellow envelopes in their hands.
From the telephone alcoves sounded the almost continuous ringing of the call bells.
Suddenly, with startling distinctness, came the single stroke of a great gong.
Instantly, with a strident roar, the battle was on.
Corn in lots of five thousand was offered at once at half a point below the previous day’s figures.