CHAPTER XVII.PROVIDING FOR THE WORST.“THERE is your money, principal and interest,” said I to my uncle, carelessly tossing him the bills. “You have compelled me to sacrifice my coppers, but I am rid of you now.”“Rid of me! It isn’t necessary for you to be impudent, Paley,” replied the Captain.“I assure you, it is a very great satisfaction for me to feel that there is now no possible way in which you can annoy me.”“I don’t want to annoy you.”“I thought you did. You have been crowding me pretty hard. You have compelled me to pay this note, for no other purpose than to annoy me. You have done your worst, and I hope you are satisfied.”“You may have the money again, if you want it,” said he; for, like other bullies, when he felt that his power was gone, he was disposed to make peace.“I don’t want it now. I have sold out mystock at a loss to gratify your malice. If you can do anything more to crush me, I hope you will do it.”“I don’t want to crush you. What are you talking about?” added my uncle, impatiently.“I don’t know what you mean by crowding me so hard, then.”“Paley, you are living too fast. All I have done has been for your good.”“I don’t see it; and I don’t exactly know by what right you purpose to take the management of my affairs into your own hands. You have an offer for my house, and you have attempted to drive me out of it. Let me say that I would go into bankruptcy, or into the State Prison, before I would submit to any such dictation. I am of age and I think I am able to take care of myself. I hear that Aunt Rachel is better to-day, and is steadily improving. I shall take the first occasion to tell her how you have used me.”“Do you want to make trouble in the family?” asked he, evidently startled by my threat; for the handling of the invalid’s property was of some importance even to a gentleman of Captain Halliard’s wealth.“I want justice done, though the heavens fall.Aunt Rachel never intended that I should be driven up to pay this thousand dollars, as you have done the business.”“I did what I thought was best for you and for her.”“All right; if you are satisfied, I am.”I think my uncle was rather sorry he had crowded me so hard. He had failed to accomplish his purpose of driving me out of my house, and he knew that I had some influence with my aunt. He was disposed to back out, but I was not willing that he should do so. I did not like the idea of having him around me in the capacity of a guardian, prying into my affairs, and listening to every breath of scandal that related to me.The sharp words I had spoken produced some effect upon him. But it occurred to me that his malice would be dangerous, and I did not deem it prudent to provoke him any farther. He was intimate with Mr. Bristlebach, and his influence might imperil my situation. It would be utter ruin for me to be discharged before I had replaced the sums I had “borrowed.” I moderated my wrath, therefore, and refrained from enforcing my threat. My uncle left me, and I was willing to wait until he made the next move.I remained at the bank until half-past three o’clock, at which time I had agreed to meet Cormorin, at Young’s. He was nearly half an hour late, but he came, and I saw by his countenance that every thing had gone well with him. I should say, in the light of subsequent experience, that every thing had gone ill with him, for the successful concealment of guilt, whatever consequences might follow its exposure, is the greatest misfortune that can befall a man, inasmuch as it leads him farther and deeper into crime.“Five thousand; there are the identical bills you lent me,” said Cormorin, as he laid the money upon the table before me. “I’m all right now, and I hope I shall not have occasion to repeat this folly.”“You will make enough by your operation in Ballyhacks to afford you a sufficient capital for future operations.”“That’s so. I shall be worth ten or fifteen thousand dollars next week, as sure as I live. I am going to pay what I owe the bank, and then keep square with the world. You have done me a good turn to-day, Glasswood, and I am not one of the kind that forget such things.”“Here are your certificates. I am glad to havebeen able to serve you,” I replied, as I handed him the papers. “You said something about another company in which a fellow might make a good thing.”“I did—the Bustumup. Its stock’s going up just as that of the Ballyhack did.”“What can I have it for?”“I am interested in this company, and if you take the stock at once you shall have it for twenty, though it went at twenty-two to-day.”“I will take two hundred and fifty shares of it.”“You are sensible,” replied Cormorin. “You have the money in your fist, and you can return it in a week or two, and put ten thousand dollars into your pocket.”I had not told Cormorin my secret, and I think he was anxious to have me invest the five thousand dollars, I had taken from the bank, that we might stand on an equal footing. He desired to possess as strong a hold upon me as I had upon him. I was satisfied of the truth of what he had told me in regard to his own “coppers.” I had inquired for myself, and I realized that he was making ten if not fifteen thousand dollars by his operation.I felt compelled to take the step he suggested. I owed my bank three thousand dollars, and while Aunt Rachel was so feeble, I had no hope of obtaining the amount from her. I must do something to save myself from possible exposure. The brilliant example of Cormorin loomed up before me. If he had made a large sum in “coppers,” there was no reason why I should not do the same. It was necessary that I should make the effort, and I gave him the five thousand dollars he had just returned to me, to be invested in Bustumups.“It will be a safe operation, Glasswood,” continued Cormorin. “Bustumups are sure to go up.”I did not regard this last expression as one to be taken in the metaphorical sense.“You have looked into this matter, Cormorin, and of course you understand it. As things now stand, you and I must hang together.”“That’s so; count on me for anything you want.”“Thank you. Now won’t you have a bottle of champagne with me?”“I am much obliged to you, Glasswood, but I can’t stop any longer now. I must get your stockfor you before four, or it will cost you twenty-five to-morrow.”“You are confident that this is a safe thing for me—are you not?”“Oh, perfectly confident!” exclaimed he. “If you don’t believe in it, don’t do it.”“I rely upon your statements, and go in upon the assurance of what you say.”“Of course you must run your own risk. I can only advise you to do what I would do myself.”“That’s enough.”He left me to procure the certificates of stock in the Bustumup Company. I was to wait in the private room I had taken until his return. I was alone, and when I began to think what I was doing, I was appalled at the possibility of failure. I was in debt to the bank in the sum of eight thousand dollars. If my investment should go wrong I could not hope to make good the loss. I should be obliged to flee from my wife and my home, and end my days in exile, if I should be so fortunate as to escape without detection. A cold sweat stood on my forehead as I thought of the possibility of discovery, of being arrested even before I supposed any one suspected me, and of being condemned to the State Prison for ten years or more.I rang the bell, and ordered a bottle of champagne. I drank several glasses of it, and the fumes went to my brain. I felt better. My thoughts began to flow in another direction under the influence of the sparkling fluid. Bustumups would advance every day. In a week or two they would go up to a hundred dollars a share. If they did this, I should make twenty thousand dollars, besides having my capital returned to me. I should be able to pay off the bank, and have seventeen thousand dollars left. My dream of future success was colored with the pinkiest tint of the wine I drank.I intended to be cautious. If, after my stock had gone up to fifty, there were any signs of a reaction, I would sell, and still make ten thousand dollars. Cormorin was sure the stock would be twenty-five the next day. If it was, I should clear twelve hundred and fifty dollars. But if it only went up to thirty-five in a week, it would enable me to pay off what I owed the bank, and I should be content even with that.My new friend brought me the coveted shares, and helped me finish the bottle of champagne before me. For some reason or other he declined to punish a second one with me, and we separated.I went home with my shares in my pocket. When the fumes of the champagne passed off, I was uneasy again. I felt that I stood upon the brink of a precipice. If Bustumups went down instead of going up, I was ruined. There was no possible way for me to redeem myself.Though my uncle knew I was dealing in stocks—or rather took my word for it—and was plunging into a sea of speculation, he did not warn me against it. He had not a word of caution to utter, and probably had no suspicion that I might be tempted to meddle with the funds of the bank. If he had been as solicitous as he pretended to be for my welfare, he would have warned me of the perils of my course. For my own part, my uncle was a mystery to me.Lilian with the black silk in prospect, was as happy as a queen. In the evening Tom Flynn called. He was hardly seated before Mrs. Oliphant and Bertha made us a call. “Dear ma” appeared to be cured of her evil propensity, probably because another daughter, through my indirect agency, was in a fair way of being disposed of. We had sacred music, and a lively time generally. I was quite satisfied that Tom would, at no distant day, make my wife’s sister his bride.This prospect was quite enough to appease Mrs. Oliphant, and she really looked quite amiable under the indications of this happy event.Tom escorted Bertha and her mother home at ten o’clock, and the next day the noble fellow told me with a blush, that he did not leave the house on Tremont Street till the clock struck twelve. A question or two from me brought out the fact that they were engaged. I envied Tom—he was so happy. Why should he not be? He owed the bank nothing. He had not soiled his soul by taking what did not belong to him. He was a strictly moral and religious young man. He would have gone without his dinner rather than stay away from the evening prayer-meeting. I say I envied him. I did; and I would have given all the world, had it been mine to give, for his peace of mind.I could not sleep that night when I went to bed. I got up and drank nearly half a bottle of Smith’s old sherry, which stupefied my brain, and gave me the needed rest from the goadings of conscience and the terrors of the future. My fate depended upon the success of the Bustumup Company. If that went down, I might be called at any time to flee from my wife, and wander in fearand trembling as an exile in some strange land. If I was in peril of exposure I could not remain to face the blast of popular condemnation. My pride would not permit me to live where any man could look down upon me with either pity or contempt.At twelve o’clock, when I run out for a lunch, I found that Bustumups were quoted at twenty-five. This fact assured me, for already I had practically paid off more than one-third of my debt. The stock went a little higher before two o’clock, and my courage was correspondingly increased. I was rather disturbed, however, at the close of the bank, to see my uncle in close conversation with Mr. Bristlebach. I fancied that I was the subject of their remarks, especially as the president cast frequent glances at me. Captain Halliard looked ugly.I had shown him a portion of the certificates which Cormorin had lent me. He was a shrewd business man, and though he had not objected to the statement that I had saved half my salary, and invested it in stocks, he might well have doubted the truth of it. Perhaps he had been thinking over my affairs, and had come to the conclusion that my assertions were doubtful. Ontwo occasions he had driven me up to the payment of money, and both times I had met the demand.Cormorin told me that he always ascertained when the directors intended to make an examination. Captain Halliard meant mischief. He intended, at least, to put me in condition to let Aunt Rachel alone. I am confident he did not really believe that I had borrowed any thing of the bank; but probably he wanted to satisfy himself that I did not obtain my ready money from the drawer. As the conversation continued I became alarmed. The President almost invariably left the bank soon after two o’clock. To-day he remained. As he had done once before since I occupied my position, he might examine the condition of the cash department.I meant to be on the sure side. I ran into the bank where Cormorin was, and told him what I suspected. He promptly offered to help me out, on the same terms that I had performed a similar service for him.“I want eight thousand,” I whispered. “I will return it to-morrow morning.”“Eight thousand!” exclaimed he. “Why, you are only five thousand short.”“Eight,” I replied, firmly.“How’s that?”“I was three thousand short when I made the little arrangement.”“Thunder!” ejaculated he, impatiently. “Then you are the eagle and I am the lamb.”“We are both honest fellows, and mean to pay all we owe,” I replied. “Do you suppose I would have accommodated you, the other day, if I had not been in hot water myself? Of course if I go down, you go with me.”“But the security?” he asked.“Two hundred and fifty shares of Bustumups.”“They are worth only six thousand or so.”“But will be worth more than eight in a few days; you shall have your bills back to-morrow morning, without fail.”I gave him my certificates and he handed me the money; but he gnashed his teeth as he did so. If I fell, I should drag him down with me.“Is everything right in your drawer?” asked Heavyside, the cashier, slyly, of me, when I returned.“Certainly it is,” I replied. “Why do you ask?”“Bristlebach is going to look over our accounts and cash this afternoon.”“All right,” I answered, carelessly.I deposited the eight thousand in my drawer, balanced my cash, and put the trunk into the safe. Paying no attention to any one, and especially not to my uncle, I sauntered leisurely out of the bank.
CHAPTER XVII.PROVIDING FOR THE WORST.“THERE is your money, principal and interest,” said I to my uncle, carelessly tossing him the bills. “You have compelled me to sacrifice my coppers, but I am rid of you now.”“Rid of me! It isn’t necessary for you to be impudent, Paley,” replied the Captain.“I assure you, it is a very great satisfaction for me to feel that there is now no possible way in which you can annoy me.”“I don’t want to annoy you.”“I thought you did. You have been crowding me pretty hard. You have compelled me to pay this note, for no other purpose than to annoy me. You have done your worst, and I hope you are satisfied.”“You may have the money again, if you want it,” said he; for, like other bullies, when he felt that his power was gone, he was disposed to make peace.“I don’t want it now. I have sold out mystock at a loss to gratify your malice. If you can do anything more to crush me, I hope you will do it.”“I don’t want to crush you. What are you talking about?” added my uncle, impatiently.“I don’t know what you mean by crowding me so hard, then.”“Paley, you are living too fast. All I have done has been for your good.”“I don’t see it; and I don’t exactly know by what right you purpose to take the management of my affairs into your own hands. You have an offer for my house, and you have attempted to drive me out of it. Let me say that I would go into bankruptcy, or into the State Prison, before I would submit to any such dictation. I am of age and I think I am able to take care of myself. I hear that Aunt Rachel is better to-day, and is steadily improving. I shall take the first occasion to tell her how you have used me.”“Do you want to make trouble in the family?” asked he, evidently startled by my threat; for the handling of the invalid’s property was of some importance even to a gentleman of Captain Halliard’s wealth.“I want justice done, though the heavens fall.Aunt Rachel never intended that I should be driven up to pay this thousand dollars, as you have done the business.”“I did what I thought was best for you and for her.”“All right; if you are satisfied, I am.”I think my uncle was rather sorry he had crowded me so hard. He had failed to accomplish his purpose of driving me out of my house, and he knew that I had some influence with my aunt. He was disposed to back out, but I was not willing that he should do so. I did not like the idea of having him around me in the capacity of a guardian, prying into my affairs, and listening to every breath of scandal that related to me.The sharp words I had spoken produced some effect upon him. But it occurred to me that his malice would be dangerous, and I did not deem it prudent to provoke him any farther. He was intimate with Mr. Bristlebach, and his influence might imperil my situation. It would be utter ruin for me to be discharged before I had replaced the sums I had “borrowed.” I moderated my wrath, therefore, and refrained from enforcing my threat. My uncle left me, and I was willing to wait until he made the next move.I remained at the bank until half-past three o’clock, at which time I had agreed to meet Cormorin, at Young’s. He was nearly half an hour late, but he came, and I saw by his countenance that every thing had gone well with him. I should say, in the light of subsequent experience, that every thing had gone ill with him, for the successful concealment of guilt, whatever consequences might follow its exposure, is the greatest misfortune that can befall a man, inasmuch as it leads him farther and deeper into crime.“Five thousand; there are the identical bills you lent me,” said Cormorin, as he laid the money upon the table before me. “I’m all right now, and I hope I shall not have occasion to repeat this folly.”“You will make enough by your operation in Ballyhacks to afford you a sufficient capital for future operations.”“That’s so. I shall be worth ten or fifteen thousand dollars next week, as sure as I live. I am going to pay what I owe the bank, and then keep square with the world. You have done me a good turn to-day, Glasswood, and I am not one of the kind that forget such things.”“Here are your certificates. I am glad to havebeen able to serve you,” I replied, as I handed him the papers. “You said something about another company in which a fellow might make a good thing.”“I did—the Bustumup. Its stock’s going up just as that of the Ballyhack did.”“What can I have it for?”“I am interested in this company, and if you take the stock at once you shall have it for twenty, though it went at twenty-two to-day.”“I will take two hundred and fifty shares of it.”“You are sensible,” replied Cormorin. “You have the money in your fist, and you can return it in a week or two, and put ten thousand dollars into your pocket.”I had not told Cormorin my secret, and I think he was anxious to have me invest the five thousand dollars, I had taken from the bank, that we might stand on an equal footing. He desired to possess as strong a hold upon me as I had upon him. I was satisfied of the truth of what he had told me in regard to his own “coppers.” I had inquired for myself, and I realized that he was making ten if not fifteen thousand dollars by his operation.I felt compelled to take the step he suggested. I owed my bank three thousand dollars, and while Aunt Rachel was so feeble, I had no hope of obtaining the amount from her. I must do something to save myself from possible exposure. The brilliant example of Cormorin loomed up before me. If he had made a large sum in “coppers,” there was no reason why I should not do the same. It was necessary that I should make the effort, and I gave him the five thousand dollars he had just returned to me, to be invested in Bustumups.“It will be a safe operation, Glasswood,” continued Cormorin. “Bustumups are sure to go up.”I did not regard this last expression as one to be taken in the metaphorical sense.“You have looked into this matter, Cormorin, and of course you understand it. As things now stand, you and I must hang together.”“That’s so; count on me for anything you want.”“Thank you. Now won’t you have a bottle of champagne with me?”“I am much obliged to you, Glasswood, but I can’t stop any longer now. I must get your stockfor you before four, or it will cost you twenty-five to-morrow.”“You are confident that this is a safe thing for me—are you not?”“Oh, perfectly confident!” exclaimed he. “If you don’t believe in it, don’t do it.”“I rely upon your statements, and go in upon the assurance of what you say.”“Of course you must run your own risk. I can only advise you to do what I would do myself.”“That’s enough.”He left me to procure the certificates of stock in the Bustumup Company. I was to wait in the private room I had taken until his return. I was alone, and when I began to think what I was doing, I was appalled at the possibility of failure. I was in debt to the bank in the sum of eight thousand dollars. If my investment should go wrong I could not hope to make good the loss. I should be obliged to flee from my wife and my home, and end my days in exile, if I should be so fortunate as to escape without detection. A cold sweat stood on my forehead as I thought of the possibility of discovery, of being arrested even before I supposed any one suspected me, and of being condemned to the State Prison for ten years or more.I rang the bell, and ordered a bottle of champagne. I drank several glasses of it, and the fumes went to my brain. I felt better. My thoughts began to flow in another direction under the influence of the sparkling fluid. Bustumups would advance every day. In a week or two they would go up to a hundred dollars a share. If they did this, I should make twenty thousand dollars, besides having my capital returned to me. I should be able to pay off the bank, and have seventeen thousand dollars left. My dream of future success was colored with the pinkiest tint of the wine I drank.I intended to be cautious. If, after my stock had gone up to fifty, there were any signs of a reaction, I would sell, and still make ten thousand dollars. Cormorin was sure the stock would be twenty-five the next day. If it was, I should clear twelve hundred and fifty dollars. But if it only went up to thirty-five in a week, it would enable me to pay off what I owed the bank, and I should be content even with that.My new friend brought me the coveted shares, and helped me finish the bottle of champagne before me. For some reason or other he declined to punish a second one with me, and we separated.I went home with my shares in my pocket. When the fumes of the champagne passed off, I was uneasy again. I felt that I stood upon the brink of a precipice. If Bustumups went down instead of going up, I was ruined. There was no possible way for me to redeem myself.Though my uncle knew I was dealing in stocks—or rather took my word for it—and was plunging into a sea of speculation, he did not warn me against it. He had not a word of caution to utter, and probably had no suspicion that I might be tempted to meddle with the funds of the bank. If he had been as solicitous as he pretended to be for my welfare, he would have warned me of the perils of my course. For my own part, my uncle was a mystery to me.Lilian with the black silk in prospect, was as happy as a queen. In the evening Tom Flynn called. He was hardly seated before Mrs. Oliphant and Bertha made us a call. “Dear ma” appeared to be cured of her evil propensity, probably because another daughter, through my indirect agency, was in a fair way of being disposed of. We had sacred music, and a lively time generally. I was quite satisfied that Tom would, at no distant day, make my wife’s sister his bride.This prospect was quite enough to appease Mrs. Oliphant, and she really looked quite amiable under the indications of this happy event.Tom escorted Bertha and her mother home at ten o’clock, and the next day the noble fellow told me with a blush, that he did not leave the house on Tremont Street till the clock struck twelve. A question or two from me brought out the fact that they were engaged. I envied Tom—he was so happy. Why should he not be? He owed the bank nothing. He had not soiled his soul by taking what did not belong to him. He was a strictly moral and religious young man. He would have gone without his dinner rather than stay away from the evening prayer-meeting. I say I envied him. I did; and I would have given all the world, had it been mine to give, for his peace of mind.I could not sleep that night when I went to bed. I got up and drank nearly half a bottle of Smith’s old sherry, which stupefied my brain, and gave me the needed rest from the goadings of conscience and the terrors of the future. My fate depended upon the success of the Bustumup Company. If that went down, I might be called at any time to flee from my wife, and wander in fearand trembling as an exile in some strange land. If I was in peril of exposure I could not remain to face the blast of popular condemnation. My pride would not permit me to live where any man could look down upon me with either pity or contempt.At twelve o’clock, when I run out for a lunch, I found that Bustumups were quoted at twenty-five. This fact assured me, for already I had practically paid off more than one-third of my debt. The stock went a little higher before two o’clock, and my courage was correspondingly increased. I was rather disturbed, however, at the close of the bank, to see my uncle in close conversation with Mr. Bristlebach. I fancied that I was the subject of their remarks, especially as the president cast frequent glances at me. Captain Halliard looked ugly.I had shown him a portion of the certificates which Cormorin had lent me. He was a shrewd business man, and though he had not objected to the statement that I had saved half my salary, and invested it in stocks, he might well have doubted the truth of it. Perhaps he had been thinking over my affairs, and had come to the conclusion that my assertions were doubtful. Ontwo occasions he had driven me up to the payment of money, and both times I had met the demand.Cormorin told me that he always ascertained when the directors intended to make an examination. Captain Halliard meant mischief. He intended, at least, to put me in condition to let Aunt Rachel alone. I am confident he did not really believe that I had borrowed any thing of the bank; but probably he wanted to satisfy himself that I did not obtain my ready money from the drawer. As the conversation continued I became alarmed. The President almost invariably left the bank soon after two o’clock. To-day he remained. As he had done once before since I occupied my position, he might examine the condition of the cash department.I meant to be on the sure side. I ran into the bank where Cormorin was, and told him what I suspected. He promptly offered to help me out, on the same terms that I had performed a similar service for him.“I want eight thousand,” I whispered. “I will return it to-morrow morning.”“Eight thousand!” exclaimed he. “Why, you are only five thousand short.”“Eight,” I replied, firmly.“How’s that?”“I was three thousand short when I made the little arrangement.”“Thunder!” ejaculated he, impatiently. “Then you are the eagle and I am the lamb.”“We are both honest fellows, and mean to pay all we owe,” I replied. “Do you suppose I would have accommodated you, the other day, if I had not been in hot water myself? Of course if I go down, you go with me.”“But the security?” he asked.“Two hundred and fifty shares of Bustumups.”“They are worth only six thousand or so.”“But will be worth more than eight in a few days; you shall have your bills back to-morrow morning, without fail.”I gave him my certificates and he handed me the money; but he gnashed his teeth as he did so. If I fell, I should drag him down with me.“Is everything right in your drawer?” asked Heavyside, the cashier, slyly, of me, when I returned.“Certainly it is,” I replied. “Why do you ask?”“Bristlebach is going to look over our accounts and cash this afternoon.”“All right,” I answered, carelessly.I deposited the eight thousand in my drawer, balanced my cash, and put the trunk into the safe. Paying no attention to any one, and especially not to my uncle, I sauntered leisurely out of the bank.
PROVIDING FOR THE WORST.
“THERE is your money, principal and interest,” said I to my uncle, carelessly tossing him the bills. “You have compelled me to sacrifice my coppers, but I am rid of you now.”
“Rid of me! It isn’t necessary for you to be impudent, Paley,” replied the Captain.
“I assure you, it is a very great satisfaction for me to feel that there is now no possible way in which you can annoy me.”
“I don’t want to annoy you.”
“I thought you did. You have been crowding me pretty hard. You have compelled me to pay this note, for no other purpose than to annoy me. You have done your worst, and I hope you are satisfied.”
“You may have the money again, if you want it,” said he; for, like other bullies, when he felt that his power was gone, he was disposed to make peace.
“I don’t want it now. I have sold out mystock at a loss to gratify your malice. If you can do anything more to crush me, I hope you will do it.”
“I don’t want to crush you. What are you talking about?” added my uncle, impatiently.
“I don’t know what you mean by crowding me so hard, then.”
“Paley, you are living too fast. All I have done has been for your good.”
“I don’t see it; and I don’t exactly know by what right you purpose to take the management of my affairs into your own hands. You have an offer for my house, and you have attempted to drive me out of it. Let me say that I would go into bankruptcy, or into the State Prison, before I would submit to any such dictation. I am of age and I think I am able to take care of myself. I hear that Aunt Rachel is better to-day, and is steadily improving. I shall take the first occasion to tell her how you have used me.”
“Do you want to make trouble in the family?” asked he, evidently startled by my threat; for the handling of the invalid’s property was of some importance even to a gentleman of Captain Halliard’s wealth.
“I want justice done, though the heavens fall.Aunt Rachel never intended that I should be driven up to pay this thousand dollars, as you have done the business.”
“I did what I thought was best for you and for her.”
“All right; if you are satisfied, I am.”
I think my uncle was rather sorry he had crowded me so hard. He had failed to accomplish his purpose of driving me out of my house, and he knew that I had some influence with my aunt. He was disposed to back out, but I was not willing that he should do so. I did not like the idea of having him around me in the capacity of a guardian, prying into my affairs, and listening to every breath of scandal that related to me.
The sharp words I had spoken produced some effect upon him. But it occurred to me that his malice would be dangerous, and I did not deem it prudent to provoke him any farther. He was intimate with Mr. Bristlebach, and his influence might imperil my situation. It would be utter ruin for me to be discharged before I had replaced the sums I had “borrowed.” I moderated my wrath, therefore, and refrained from enforcing my threat. My uncle left me, and I was willing to wait until he made the next move.
I remained at the bank until half-past three o’clock, at which time I had agreed to meet Cormorin, at Young’s. He was nearly half an hour late, but he came, and I saw by his countenance that every thing had gone well with him. I should say, in the light of subsequent experience, that every thing had gone ill with him, for the successful concealment of guilt, whatever consequences might follow its exposure, is the greatest misfortune that can befall a man, inasmuch as it leads him farther and deeper into crime.
“Five thousand; there are the identical bills you lent me,” said Cormorin, as he laid the money upon the table before me. “I’m all right now, and I hope I shall not have occasion to repeat this folly.”
“You will make enough by your operation in Ballyhacks to afford you a sufficient capital for future operations.”
“That’s so. I shall be worth ten or fifteen thousand dollars next week, as sure as I live. I am going to pay what I owe the bank, and then keep square with the world. You have done me a good turn to-day, Glasswood, and I am not one of the kind that forget such things.”
“Here are your certificates. I am glad to havebeen able to serve you,” I replied, as I handed him the papers. “You said something about another company in which a fellow might make a good thing.”
“I did—the Bustumup. Its stock’s going up just as that of the Ballyhack did.”
“What can I have it for?”
“I am interested in this company, and if you take the stock at once you shall have it for twenty, though it went at twenty-two to-day.”
“I will take two hundred and fifty shares of it.”
“You are sensible,” replied Cormorin. “You have the money in your fist, and you can return it in a week or two, and put ten thousand dollars into your pocket.”
I had not told Cormorin my secret, and I think he was anxious to have me invest the five thousand dollars, I had taken from the bank, that we might stand on an equal footing. He desired to possess as strong a hold upon me as I had upon him. I was satisfied of the truth of what he had told me in regard to his own “coppers.” I had inquired for myself, and I realized that he was making ten if not fifteen thousand dollars by his operation.
I felt compelled to take the step he suggested. I owed my bank three thousand dollars, and while Aunt Rachel was so feeble, I had no hope of obtaining the amount from her. I must do something to save myself from possible exposure. The brilliant example of Cormorin loomed up before me. If he had made a large sum in “coppers,” there was no reason why I should not do the same. It was necessary that I should make the effort, and I gave him the five thousand dollars he had just returned to me, to be invested in Bustumups.
“It will be a safe operation, Glasswood,” continued Cormorin. “Bustumups are sure to go up.”
I did not regard this last expression as one to be taken in the metaphorical sense.
“You have looked into this matter, Cormorin, and of course you understand it. As things now stand, you and I must hang together.”
“That’s so; count on me for anything you want.”
“Thank you. Now won’t you have a bottle of champagne with me?”
“I am much obliged to you, Glasswood, but I can’t stop any longer now. I must get your stockfor you before four, or it will cost you twenty-five to-morrow.”
“You are confident that this is a safe thing for me—are you not?”
“Oh, perfectly confident!” exclaimed he. “If you don’t believe in it, don’t do it.”
“I rely upon your statements, and go in upon the assurance of what you say.”
“Of course you must run your own risk. I can only advise you to do what I would do myself.”
“That’s enough.”
He left me to procure the certificates of stock in the Bustumup Company. I was to wait in the private room I had taken until his return. I was alone, and when I began to think what I was doing, I was appalled at the possibility of failure. I was in debt to the bank in the sum of eight thousand dollars. If my investment should go wrong I could not hope to make good the loss. I should be obliged to flee from my wife and my home, and end my days in exile, if I should be so fortunate as to escape without detection. A cold sweat stood on my forehead as I thought of the possibility of discovery, of being arrested even before I supposed any one suspected me, and of being condemned to the State Prison for ten years or more.
I rang the bell, and ordered a bottle of champagne. I drank several glasses of it, and the fumes went to my brain. I felt better. My thoughts began to flow in another direction under the influence of the sparkling fluid. Bustumups would advance every day. In a week or two they would go up to a hundred dollars a share. If they did this, I should make twenty thousand dollars, besides having my capital returned to me. I should be able to pay off the bank, and have seventeen thousand dollars left. My dream of future success was colored with the pinkiest tint of the wine I drank.
I intended to be cautious. If, after my stock had gone up to fifty, there were any signs of a reaction, I would sell, and still make ten thousand dollars. Cormorin was sure the stock would be twenty-five the next day. If it was, I should clear twelve hundred and fifty dollars. But if it only went up to thirty-five in a week, it would enable me to pay off what I owed the bank, and I should be content even with that.
My new friend brought me the coveted shares, and helped me finish the bottle of champagne before me. For some reason or other he declined to punish a second one with me, and we separated.I went home with my shares in my pocket. When the fumes of the champagne passed off, I was uneasy again. I felt that I stood upon the brink of a precipice. If Bustumups went down instead of going up, I was ruined. There was no possible way for me to redeem myself.
Though my uncle knew I was dealing in stocks—or rather took my word for it—and was plunging into a sea of speculation, he did not warn me against it. He had not a word of caution to utter, and probably had no suspicion that I might be tempted to meddle with the funds of the bank. If he had been as solicitous as he pretended to be for my welfare, he would have warned me of the perils of my course. For my own part, my uncle was a mystery to me.
Lilian with the black silk in prospect, was as happy as a queen. In the evening Tom Flynn called. He was hardly seated before Mrs. Oliphant and Bertha made us a call. “Dear ma” appeared to be cured of her evil propensity, probably because another daughter, through my indirect agency, was in a fair way of being disposed of. We had sacred music, and a lively time generally. I was quite satisfied that Tom would, at no distant day, make my wife’s sister his bride.This prospect was quite enough to appease Mrs. Oliphant, and she really looked quite amiable under the indications of this happy event.
Tom escorted Bertha and her mother home at ten o’clock, and the next day the noble fellow told me with a blush, that he did not leave the house on Tremont Street till the clock struck twelve. A question or two from me brought out the fact that they were engaged. I envied Tom—he was so happy. Why should he not be? He owed the bank nothing. He had not soiled his soul by taking what did not belong to him. He was a strictly moral and religious young man. He would have gone without his dinner rather than stay away from the evening prayer-meeting. I say I envied him. I did; and I would have given all the world, had it been mine to give, for his peace of mind.
I could not sleep that night when I went to bed. I got up and drank nearly half a bottle of Smith’s old sherry, which stupefied my brain, and gave me the needed rest from the goadings of conscience and the terrors of the future. My fate depended upon the success of the Bustumup Company. If that went down, I might be called at any time to flee from my wife, and wander in fearand trembling as an exile in some strange land. If I was in peril of exposure I could not remain to face the blast of popular condemnation. My pride would not permit me to live where any man could look down upon me with either pity or contempt.
At twelve o’clock, when I run out for a lunch, I found that Bustumups were quoted at twenty-five. This fact assured me, for already I had practically paid off more than one-third of my debt. The stock went a little higher before two o’clock, and my courage was correspondingly increased. I was rather disturbed, however, at the close of the bank, to see my uncle in close conversation with Mr. Bristlebach. I fancied that I was the subject of their remarks, especially as the president cast frequent glances at me. Captain Halliard looked ugly.
I had shown him a portion of the certificates which Cormorin had lent me. He was a shrewd business man, and though he had not objected to the statement that I had saved half my salary, and invested it in stocks, he might well have doubted the truth of it. Perhaps he had been thinking over my affairs, and had come to the conclusion that my assertions were doubtful. Ontwo occasions he had driven me up to the payment of money, and both times I had met the demand.
Cormorin told me that he always ascertained when the directors intended to make an examination. Captain Halliard meant mischief. He intended, at least, to put me in condition to let Aunt Rachel alone. I am confident he did not really believe that I had borrowed any thing of the bank; but probably he wanted to satisfy himself that I did not obtain my ready money from the drawer. As the conversation continued I became alarmed. The President almost invariably left the bank soon after two o’clock. To-day he remained. As he had done once before since I occupied my position, he might examine the condition of the cash department.
I meant to be on the sure side. I ran into the bank where Cormorin was, and told him what I suspected. He promptly offered to help me out, on the same terms that I had performed a similar service for him.
“I want eight thousand,” I whispered. “I will return it to-morrow morning.”
“Eight thousand!” exclaimed he. “Why, you are only five thousand short.”
“Eight,” I replied, firmly.
“How’s that?”
“I was three thousand short when I made the little arrangement.”
“Thunder!” ejaculated he, impatiently. “Then you are the eagle and I am the lamb.”
“We are both honest fellows, and mean to pay all we owe,” I replied. “Do you suppose I would have accommodated you, the other day, if I had not been in hot water myself? Of course if I go down, you go with me.”
“But the security?” he asked.
“Two hundred and fifty shares of Bustumups.”
“They are worth only six thousand or so.”
“But will be worth more than eight in a few days; you shall have your bills back to-morrow morning, without fail.”
I gave him my certificates and he handed me the money; but he gnashed his teeth as he did so. If I fell, I should drag him down with me.
“Is everything right in your drawer?” asked Heavyside, the cashier, slyly, of me, when I returned.
“Certainly it is,” I replied. “Why do you ask?”
“Bristlebach is going to look over our accounts and cash this afternoon.”
“All right,” I answered, carelessly.
I deposited the eight thousand in my drawer, balanced my cash, and put the trunk into the safe. Paying no attention to any one, and especially not to my uncle, I sauntered leisurely out of the bank.