“I’ll send it all down--though I’m devilish sorry,” continued Potts. “How much? why, see here;” and he penciled down the following figures on a piece of paper, which he showed to Clark: California Company.................£100,000 Mexican bonds ..................... 50,000 Guatemala do. ..................... 50,000 Venezuela do. ..................... 50,000 -------- £250,000 “What do you think of that, my boy?” said Potts. “Well,” returned Clark, cautiously, “I don’t like them American names.” “Why,” said Potts, “the stock is at a premium. I’ve been getting from twenty to twenty-five per cent. dividends. They’ll sell for three hundred thousand nearly. I’ll sell them all. I’ll sell them all,” he cried. “I’ll have gold enough to put a stop to this sort of thing forever.” “I thought you had some French and Russian bonds,” said Clark. “I gave those to that devil who had the--the papers, you know. He consented to take them, and I was very glad, for they paid less than the others.” Clark was silent. “Why, man, what are you thinking about? Don’t you know that I’m good for two millions, what with my estate and my stock?” “But you owe an infernal lot.” “And haven’t I notes and other securities from every body?” “Yes, from every body; but how can you get hold of them?” “The first people of the county!” “And as poor as rats.” “London merchants!” “Who are they? How can you get back your money?” “Smithers & Co. will let me have what I want.” “If Smithers & Co. knew the present state of affairs I rather think that they’d back down.” “Pooh! What! Back down from a man with my means! Nonsense! They know how rich I am, or they never would have begun. Come, don’t be a fool. It’ll take three days to get gold for my stock, and if you don’t help me the bank may stop before I get it. If you’ll help me for three days I’ll pay you well.” [Illustration: THE RUN ON THE BANK] “How much will you give?” “I’ll give ten thousand pounds--there! I don’t mind.” “Done. Give me your note for sixty thousand pounds, and I’ll let you have the fifty thousand for three days.” “All right. You’ve got me where my hair is short; but I don’t mind. When can I have the money?” “The day after to-morrow. I’ll go to Plymouth now, get the money to-morrow, and you can use it the next day.” “All right; I’ll send down John to London with the stock, and he’ll bring up the gold at once.” Clark started off immediately for Plymouth, and not long after John went away to London. Potts remained to await the storm which he dreaded. The next day came. The bank opened late on purpose. Potts put up a notice that it was to be closed that day at twelve, on account of the absence of some of the directors.