Ryder started as if he had been shot; his face turned grey. There was no sound except a faint cry of fright from Lucy.
“My information is quite positive,” continued Montague. “It has been determined to wreck your institution!”
Ryder caught at a chair to support himself. “Who? Who?” he stammered.
“It is Duval and Waterman,” said Montague.
“Dan Waterman!” It was Lucy who spoke.
Montague turned to look at her, and saw her eyes, wide open with terror.
“Yes, Lucy,” he said.
“Oh, oh!” she gasped, choking; then suddenly she cried wildly, “Tell me! I don't understand—what does it mean?”
“It means that I am ruined,” exclaimed Ryder.
“Ruined?” she echoed.