And now, by way of conclusion, I have a request to make. After perusing the story of Saccard's work of ruin, the reader will, perhaps, have a keener perception of all the misery wrought by that Liberator crash to which I have previously alluded. I would point out, however, that whereas Saccard's bank was essentially a speculative enterprise, the Liberator and its allied companies claimed that they never embarked in any speculative dealings whatever. Their shareholders had no desire to gamble; they only expected to obtain a fair return from the investment of their hard-earned savings. Their position is therefore deserving of all commiseration. Unfortunately, the fund raised for their benefit still falls far short of the amount required; and so I would ask all who read 'Money,' and who have money to spare, to send some little of their store to the Rev. J. Stockwell Watts, at the office of the Fund, 16 Farringdon Street, E.C. In complying with this suggestion they will be doing a good action. And I may say that nothing would afford greater pleasure either to M. Zola or myself than to learn that this book had in some degree a contributed to alleviate so much undeserved misery and hardship. E. A. V. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE PREFACE vii I. THE TEMPLE OF MAMMON 1 II. DREAMS AND SCHEMES 45 III. SACCARD MAKES A START 81 IV. THE BANK IS FOUNDED 112 V. THE LITTLE MONSTER 144 VI. A GREAT STROKE 182 VII. REVELATIONS 219 VIII. THE BOOM BEGINS 237 IX. EXCELSIOR! 271 X. THE BATTLE OF MILLIONS 311 XI. RUIN 355 XII. FROM HORROR TO HOPE 388 NOTES 428 MONEY CHAPTER I THE TEMPLE OF MAMMON Eleven o'clock had just struck at the Bourse when, making his way into Champeaux' restaurant, Saccard entered the public room, all white and gold and with two high windows facing the Place. At a glance he surveyed the rows of little tables, at which the busy eaters sat closely together, elbow to elbow; and he seemed surprised not to see the face he sought. As a waiter passed, laden with dishes, amid the scramble of the service, he turned to him and asked: 'I say, hasn't Monsieur Huret come?' 'No, monsieur, not yet.'