Harley the French securities, "for closing me out should a squall strike
the market. Now I shall go to the club."

Mr. Harley also laughed, and took the French stock; acceptance always
came easy with Mr. Harley.

Mr. Harley bought those two thousand sugar shares at eleven o'clock. Two
hours later an extra was being cried about the streets. The sugar
company had ordered half its refineries closed; some alleged loose screw
in sugar trade was given as the reason.

With the order closing down the refineries, the stock began to tumble.
Within thirty minutes it had slumped off six points. There came a call
for further margins, and Mr. Harley offered Storri's French stock.

The security was undeniable, but a technicality got in the way to trip
Mr. Harley. The French securities were original shares, issued in
Storri's name. On the back, however, there was no Storri signature
making the usual assignment in blank. The shares, in their present
shape, would not be received. Mr. Harley flew to a nearby telephone and
called up Storri.

"There is not time for me to get there!" cried that designing gentleman
excitedly. He was a half-mile away. "Don't hesitate; clap my name on the
backs of the certificates yourself. They don't know my signature; and no
one will think of questioning it, coming through your hands."

There was no other way; thereupon Mr. Harley, in a ferment with tumbling
prices, picked up a pen, and, with the best intentions in life, forged
Storri's name. Then he hurried to the broker's and got up the margins.