So bitter was his tone that Thorpe was startled. The lumberman sat down on the other side of the desk.
“That'll do, Wallace,” he said sharply. “Tell me briefly what is the matter.”
“I've been speculating!” burst out the boy.
“Ah!” said his partner.
“At first I bought only dividend-paying stocks outright. Then I bought for a rise, but still outright. Then I got in with a fellow who claimed to know all about it. I bought on a margin. There came a slump. I met the margins because I am sure there will be a rally, but now all my fortune is in the thing. I'm going to be penniless. I'll lose it all.”
“Ah!” said Thorpe.
“And the name of Carpenter is so old-established, so honorable!” cried the unhappy boy, “and my sister!”
“Easy!” warned Thorpe. “Being penniless isn't the worst thing that can happen to a man.”
“No; but I am in debt,” went on the boy more calmly. “I have given notes. When they come due, I'm a goner.”
“How much?” asked Thorpe laconically.