“Have you heard the news from Philadelphia?”
“No; what is it?”
“The United States’ Bank has failed!”
The face of Mr. Townsend became instantly pale, and he caught hold of an iron railing to support himself.
“Impossible!” he said, in a faint, husky voice.
“It is too true. Do you hold any of the stock?”
“Every dollar I am worth is there!”
“Every dollar! Surely not, Mr. Townsend!”
“I’m ruined! ruined! ruined!” murmured the wretched man, losing all control of himself; “hopelessly ruined!”
“Not so bad as that, I trust, sir. A large percentage of the stock will no doubt be paid.”