Mr. Cartwright was trying to say something, and Sponley added quickly:-- “If I were in a position to take the stock back--but there’s no use in discussing that. I’ve already put the money I got for it where I can’t get it back.” Gradually the two scared old gentlemen recovered their power of speech, and Sponley answered their questions, alternately quieting their fears by the assurance that they would find no difficulty in selling their stock, and waking their alarm again by impressing upon them the urgent need of being all sold out by to-morrow night. As he rose to take his leave, he said, “I have talked with you very frankly, because, as I said, I have felt that I owed you no less than that, and I am sure you realize the immense importance of guarding these facts most carefully. Of course, if anything should escape concerning the condition of the bank, the consequences would be serious. I know that you will agree with me on that point. I wish you the greatest success in disposing of the stock.” Sponley had one more matter to attend to that day, and then he would be prepared for anything. It was likely, he thought, that John might become suspicious of Curtin, the man Sponley had put in the bank, and it was imperative that Curtin be provided with some plausible story which should prevent John’s taking summary action and turning him out of the bank. They discussed the matter for nearly an hour before Sponley was satisfied. “I guess that’ll do,” he said at last. “It doesn’t fit together too well, and it doesn’t explain everything; those are its best points. If you take it to him before he comes to you and asks you for it, he’ll believe you. You’d better tell him the first thing in the morning. And the other thing you’ve to do is to watch for a crowd. If you see anything that looks like a run on the bank, let me know instantly. I’ll be right in my office; Stewart and Ray will do all my trading on the floor, and you can get me in a second.” “I’ll want to be pretty careful not to let anybody know that I’m in communication with you. After what I shall tell Bagsbury to-morrow morning, it’d look pretty black if I were caught telephoning--” “Don’t delay for anything, not if John Bagsbury’s standing within arm’s length of the ’phone. I’ve got to know of the run on the bank within two minutes of the time it starts.” “All right,” said Curtin; “Bagsbury’s pretty strong in his hands, but I guess I could take my chances with him.” Sponley nodded. “That’s the idea. Well, I’m going home to take things easy. I’ve done a good day’s work and there’s a big rush coming. Next Sunday I mean to start off on a long vacation.” The Bear drove home in a most cheerful frame of mind. Never before had he entered on a campaign that promised so well. It would be short, furious, and, he felt sure, brilliantly successful.