"No," he went on; "what we must do is this. Increase the capital stock just as much again. That will enable us to keep everything in our hands--news and all--and if it should leak out afterwards, we have half a dozen others with us to keep the secret. Six months hence will be time to talk of selling; just now buying is the thing! You don't believe it?--eh? Well, Wyck, I'll take yours at the figure you paid. What do you say?--quick!" Mr. Wyck, more confused than appeared necessary, declared his intention of holding on; Mr. Pilcher laughed, Mr. Dumphy barked behind his hand. "That offer's open for ninety days--will you take it? No! Well, then, that's all!" and Mr. Dumphy turned again to his desk. Mr. Pilcher took the hint, and drew Mr. Wyck away. "Devilish smart chap, that Dumphy!" said Pilcher, as they passed out of the door. "An honest man, by----!" responded Wyck. When they had gone Mr. Dumphy rang his bell. "Ask Mr. Jaynes to come and see me at once. D----n it, go now! You must get there before Wyck does. Run!" The clerk disappeared. In a few moments Mr. Jaynes, a sharp but very youthful looking broker, entered the office parlour. "Mr. Wyck will want to buy back that stock he put in your hands this morning, Jaynes. I thought I'd tell you, it's worth 50 advance now!" The precocious youth grinned intelligently and departed. By noon of that day it was whispered that notwithstanding the rumours of unfavourable news from the Conroy mine, one of the heaviest stockholders had actually bought back, at an advance of $50 per share, some stock he had previously sold. More than that, it was believed that Mr. Dumphy had taken advantage of these reports, and was secretly buying. In spite of the weather, for some few hours there had been the greatest excitement.