Wycherley does not lose his usual assurance in this moment of trial:
“I backed Consolidated yesterday, together with some mining stock, and the rise boomed me to the skies, two million or so ahead. Indications warned me to hang on to Consolidated longer, and I went in heavy; with the result that to-day I am again a million ahead.”
He proudly takes out that wonderful notebook and shows the figures that tell the story.
Samson Cereal looks at the book and then again at the owner.
“Who were these tremendous deals made with, if it is proper for me to ask?”
“One Claude Wycherley.”
“Don’t know him.”
“Myself.”
Now a light begins to dawn upon the mind of the old speculator; a grim smile breaks over his face showing that he is amused.
“Oh, I see! How long have you been indulging in this romantic pastime, Mr. Wycherley?”