“It kicks us into somewhat of a hole,” he grumbled to Newmark.
“A loss is never pleasant,” replied the latter, “and it puts us out of the carrying business for awhile. But we're insured.”
“I can't understand why Floyd started,” said Orde. “He ought to know better than to face sure prospects of a fall blow. I'll tan his soul for that, all right!”
“I'm afraid I'm partly responsible for his going,” put in Newmark.
“You!” cried Orde.
“Yes. You see that Smith and Mabley shipment was important enough to strain a point for—and it's only twenty-four hours or so—and it certainly didn't look to see me as if it were going to blow very soon. Poor Floyd feels bad enough. He's about sick.”
Orde for the first time began to appreciate the pressure of his circumstances. The loss on the cargo of “uppers” reached about 8,000,000 feet; which represented $20,000 in money. As for the NORTH STAR and her consorts, save for the insurance, they were simply eliminated. They had represented property. Now they were gone. The loss of $60,000 or so on them, however, did not mean a diminution of the company's present cash resources to that amount; and so did not immediately affect Orde's calculations as to the payment of the notes which were now soon to come due.
At this time the woods work increasingly demanded his attention. He disappeared for a week, his organising abilities claimed for the distribution of the road crews. When he returned to the office, Newmark, with an air of small triumph, showed him contracts for the construction of three new vessels.
“I get them for $55,000,” said he, “with $30,000 of it on long time.”
“Without consulting me!” cried Orde.