All nodded; a few said “yes”; one—Lindheim, _aetat 27_—said, flippantly, “That’s what.” “Very well. What will each man’s proportion be?” “I have a list here, Sharpe,” put in Greenbaum. He intentionally omitted the “Mr.” for effect upon his colleagues. Sharpe noted it, but did not mind it. Sharpe read aloud: Greenbaum, Lazarus & Co 38,000 shares. I. & S. Wechsler 14,000 shares. Morris Steinfelder’s Sons 14,000 shares. Reis & Stern 11,000 shares. Kohn, Fischel & Co 10,000 shares. Silberman & Lindheim 9,000 shares. Rosenthal, Shaffran & Co 9,800 shares. Zeman Bros 8,600 shares. ______________ Total 114,400 shares. “Is that correct, gentlemen?” asked Sharpe. Greenbaum nodded his head and smiled affably as befitted the holder of the biggest block. Some said “Yes”; others, “That is correct.” Young Lindheim said, “That’s what.” The founders of the firm—his uncle and his father—were dead, and he had inherited the entire business from the two. His flippancy was not inherited from either. “It is understood,” said Sharpe, slowly, “that I am to have complete charge of the pool, and conduct operations as I see fit. I want no advice and no questions. If there is any asking to be done, I’ll do it. If my way does not suit you we’ll call the deal off right here, because it’s the only way I have. I know my business, and if you know yours you’ll keep your mouths shut in this office and out of it.” No one said a word, not even Lindheim. “Each of you will continue to carry the stock for which he has agreed to stand in the pool. You’ve had it a year and couldn’t sell it, and you might keep it a few weeks more, until I sell it for you. It must be subject to my call at one minute’s notice. I’ve looked into the company’s business, and I think the stock can easily sell at 75 or 80.” Something like a gasp of astonishment came from those eight hardened speculators. Then Greenbaum smiled, knowingly, as if that were his programme, memorized and spoken by Sharpe. “It is also understood,” went on Sharpe, very calmly, “that none of you has any other stock for sale at any price, excepting his proportion in this pool, and that proportion, of course, is not to be sold excepting by me.” No one said a word, and he continued: “My profit will be 25 per cent of the pool’s winnings, figuring on the stock having been put in at 29. The remaining profits will be divided pro rata among you; the necessary expenses will be shared similarly. I think that’s all. And, gentlemen, no unloading on the sly—not one share.” “I want you to understand, Mr. Sharpe, that we are not in the habit of—” began Greenbaum with perfunctory dignity. He felt it was his duty to remonstrate before his colleagues.