"A very just observation, Mr. Hampden. Most things don’t get done. The man who has the brains and will to accomplish things is the invaluable man. It’s our main trouble in every branch of the world’s work--to find the man with ideas and the force to carry them out. But we must show Kendrick that he isn’t indispensable in this crisis. Did he explain to you the state of affairs?" "No. He could only refer me to you for details. He gave me the authorization to represent him in the syndicate, and in his business generally. It was all he was able to do." "Well, the syndicate brought together a capital of ten million--I suppose you know that." "Yes, but I believe it was heavily drawn on in the raid of last month." "We had to put out close to three million six hundred thousand of loans that day, but some of it has come back since." "Then the syndicate must have between six and seven million at its disposal." "Over seven, I think. Kendrick could give you the figures out of his head--that is, before his head was broken--but I’ll have to get them from my memoranda." "How long do you expect that to last in a storm?" "It ought to see us through any crisis that can arise." "But this is a more serious occasion than the other. See our riots, and the explosion of violence in the East. Will not these frighten our business men far more than the rumors that set off the hub-bub of last month?" Coleman leaned back in his chair, his face expressing confident cheerfulness, and his eyes magnetic with power. "Very true," he said. "But on the other hand, the flurry of last month shook out the weaklings. Stocks and bonds are shifted into strong hands. Doubtful accounts have been closed out. We are in much better shape than before the squall struck us." "I’m glad to hear it," I said with some relief, though the thought of Peter Bolton’s malign activities weighed on my mind, and I was tempted to confide in William T. Coleman. But as Wharton Kendrick had kept the matter to himself, I followed his example, and continued: "I believe the interests of Mr. Kendrick can best be served by sustaining the markets and preventing failures. But as to details, I should like your advice." "Well, I will read you the memorandum made at our meeting of the other night of the men and firms who are likely to need help, and the amounts it would probably be safe to lend them." And Mr. Coleman brought a sheet of paper from his desk and interpreted the cabalistic signs that covered it. The freedom with which the names of banks, business houses and individuals had been handled would have created a sensation if the paper had been published. "And here is a list of the men who have had advances," he said, taking out another sheet and reading off names and figures. I noted down the list for reference and study. "Do you think," asked Coleman, "that Kendrick will be able to get down to-morrow?" "No, the doctor said it would be impossible."