near day, but nobody looked for a sensation in Lumber and Fuel. It
was a foregone conclusion that a slump was coming, and there was
scarcely any trading in the stock. When Elon Gardner, acting for
Montgomery Brewster; took ten thousand shares at 108 3/4 there was
a mighty gasp on the Exchange, then a rubbing of eyes, then
commotion. Astonishment was followed by nervousness, and then came
the struggle.

Brewster, confident that the stock could go no higher, and that
sooner or later it must drop, calmly ordered his horse for a ride
in the snow-covered park. Even though he knew the venture was to
be a failure in the ordinary sense he found joy in the knowledge
that he was doing something. He might be a fool, he was at least
no longer inactive. The feel of the air was good to him. He was
exhilarated by the glitter of the snow, the answering excitement
of his horse, the gaiety and sparkle of life about him.

Somewhere far back in his inner self there seemed to be the sound
of cheering and the clapping of hands. Shortly before noon he
reached his club, where he was to lunch with Colonel Drew. In the
reading-room he observed that men were looking at him in a manner
less casual than was customary. Some of them went so far as to
smile encouragingly, and others waved their hands in the most
cordial fashion. Three or four very young members looked upon him
with admiration and envy, and even the porters seemed more
obsequious. There was something strangely oppressive in all this
show of deference.

Colonel Drew's dignity relaxed amazingly when he caught sight of
the young man. He came forward to meet him and his greeting almost