Towards four o'clock that afternoon Castanier appeared among the
little knots of men who were transacting private business after
'Change. He was personally known to some of the brokers; and while
affecting to be in search of an acquaintance, he managed to pick up
the current gossip and rumors of failure.

"Catch me negotiating bills for Claparon & Co., my boy. The bank
collector went round to return their acceptances to them this
morning," said a fat banker in his outspoken way. "If you have any of
their paper, look out."

Claparon was in the building, in deep consultation with a man well
known for the ruinous rate at which he lent money. Castanier went
forthwith in search of the said Claparon, a merchant who had a
reputation for taking heavy risks that meant wealth or utter ruin. The
money-lender walked away as Castanier came up. A gesture betrayed the
speculator's despair.

"Well, Claparon, the Bank wants a hundred thousand francs of you, and
it is four o'clock; the thing is known, and it is too late to arrange
your little failure comfortably," said Castanier.

"Sir!"

"Speak lower," the cashier went on. "How if I were to propose a piece
of business that would bring you in as much money as you require?"

"It would not discharge my liabilities; every business that I ever
heard of wants a little time to simmer in."