 Chapter 26 of Brewster's Millions Monty was on deck when the inspiration seized him, and he lost no time in telling his guests, who were at breakfast. Although he had misgivings about their opinion of the scheme, he was not prepared for the ominous silence that followed his announcement. Are you in earnest, Mr Brewster? Ask Captain Perry, who was the first at the company to recover from the surprise? Of course I am. I chartered this boat for four months, with the privilege of another month. I can see no reason to prevent us from prolonging the trip. Monty's manner was full of self-assurance, as he continued, You people are so in the habit of protesting against every suggestion I make that you can't help doing it now. But Monty, said Mrs Dan, what if your guests would rather go home? Nonsense! You were asked for a five-month cruise. Besides, think of getting home in the middle of August. With everyone away, it would be like going to Philadelphia. Brave as he was in the presence of his friends, in the privacy of his stateroom, Monty gave way to the depression that was bearing down upon him. It was the hardest task of his life to go on with his scheme in the face of opposition. He knew that every man and woman on board was against the proposition, for his sake at least, and it was difficult to be arbitrary under the circumstances. Purposely, he avoided Peggy all forenoon. His single glance at her face in the salon was enough to disturb him immeasurably. The spirits of the crowd were subdued. The North Cape had charms, but the proclamation concerning it had been too sudden and reversed too quickly the general expectation and desire. Many of the guests had plans at home for August, and even those who had none were saturated with excitement. During the morning, they gathered in little knots to discuss the situation. They were all generous, and each one was sure that he could cruise indefinitely. If, on Monty's account, the new voyage were not out of the question, they felt at their duty to take a desperate stand. The hard part of little gatherings resolved themselves into ominous groups, and in the end there was a call for a general meeting in the main cabin. Captain Perry, the first mate, and the chief engineer were included in the call, but Montgomery Brewster was not to be admitted. Joe Bragdon loyally agreed to keep him engaged elsewhere, while the meeting was in progress. The doors were locked, and a cursory glance assured the chairman of the meeting, Dan DeMille, that no member of the party was missing saved the devoted Bragdon. Captain Perry was plainly nervous and disturbed. The others were the victims of a suppressed energy that presaged subsequent eruptions. Captain Perry, we are assembled here for a purpose, said DeMille, clearing his throat three times. First of all, as we understand it, you are the sailing master of this ship. In other words, you are, according to maritime law, the commander of this expedition. You alone can give orders to the sailors, and you alone can clear a port. Mr Brewster has no authority except that vested in a common employer, am I correct? Mr DeMille, if Mr Brewster instructs me to sail for the North Cape, I shall do so, said the captain firmly. This boat is his for the full term of the lease, and I am engaged to sail her with my crew until the 10th of next September. We understand your position, Captain, and I am sure you will appreciate ours. It isn't that we want to end a very delightful cruise, but that we regard it as sheer folly for Mr Brewster to extend the tour at such tremendous expense. He is, or was, a rich man, but it is impossible to ignore the fact that he is plunging much too heavily. In plain words, we want to keep him from spending more of his money on this cruise. Do you understand our position, Captain Perry? Fully, I wish with all my soul that I could help you and him. My hands are tied by contract, however, much as I regret at this moment. How does the crew feel about this additional trip, Captain? asked DeMille. They shipped for five months, and will receive five months' pay. The men have been handsomely treated, and they will stick to Mr Brewster to the end, said the captain. There is no chance for a mutiny, then, asked Smith regretfully. The captain gave him a hard look, but said nothing. Everybody seemed uncomfortable. Apparently the only way is the one suggested by Mr Smith this morning, said Mrs Dan, speaking for the women. No one will object, I am sure, if Captain Perry and his chief officers are allowed to hear the plan. It is very necessary, in fact, said Mr Valentine. We cannot proceed without them, but they will agree with us. I am sure that it is wise. An hour later the meeting broke up, and the conspirators made their way to the deck. It was a strange fact that no one went alone. They were in groups of three and four, and the mystery that hung about them was almost perceptible. Not one was willing to face the excited, buoyant Brewster without help. They found strength and security in companionship. Peggy was the one rebel against the conspiracy, and yet she knew that the others were justified in the step they proposed to take. She reluctantly joined them in the end, but felt that she was the darkest traitor in the crowd. Forgetting her own distress over the way in which Monty was squandering his fortune, she stood out the one defender of his rights until the end, and then admitted tearfully to Mrs DeMille that she had been quite unreasonable in doing so. Alone in her stateroom, after signing the agreement, she wondered what he would think of her. She owed him so much that she, at least, should have still by him. She felt that he would be conscious of this. How could she have turned against him? He would not understand. Of course he would never understand. And he would hate her with the others, more than the others. It was all a wretched muddle, and she could not see her way out of it. Monty found his guests very difficult. They listened to his plans with but little interest, and he could not but see that they were uncomfortable. The situation was new to their experience, and they were under a strain. They mope around like a lot of pouting boys and girls. He growled to himself. But it's the North Cape now, in spite of everything. I don't care if the whole crowd deserts me. My mind is made up. Try as he would. He could not see Peggy alone. He had much that he wanted to say to her, and he hungered for the consolation. Her approval would bring him. But she clung to Pentagill with a tenacity that was discouraging. The old feeling of jealousy that was connected with Como disturbed him. She thinks that I am hopeless, brainless idiot. He said to himself, and I don't blame her either. Just before nightfall, he noticed that his friends were assembling in the bow. As he started to join the group, Subway Smith and Demille advanced to meet him. Some of the others were smiling a little sheepishly. But the two men were pictures of solemnity and decision. Monty said to Demille steadily, We have been conspiring against you and have decided that we sail for New York tomorrow morning. For his to stop short, and the expression on his face was one they could never forget. Bewilderment, uncertainty and pain succeeded each other like flashes of light. Not a word was spoken for several seconds. The red of humiliation slowly mounted to his cheeks, while in his eyes wavered the look of one who has been hunted down. You have decided. He asked lifelessly, and more than one heart went out in pity to him. We'd hated to do it, Monty, but for your own sake there was no other way, said Subway Smith quickly. We took a vote, and there wasn't a dissenting voice. It is a plain case of mutiny. I take it, said Monty, utterly alone and heart sick. It isn't necessary to tell you why we have taken this step, said Demille. It is heartbreaking to oppose you at this stage of the game. You've been the best ever, and cut back, cried Monty, and his confidence in himself was fast returning. This is no time to throw bouquets. We like you, Brewster. Mr Valentine came to the chairman's assistance, because the others had looked at him so appealingly. We like you so well that we can't take the responsibility for your extravagance. It would disgrace us all. That sided the matter was never mentioned, cried Peggy indignantly, and then added with a catch in her voice. We thought only of you. I appreciate your motives, and I am grateful to you, said Monty. I am more sorry than I can tell you that the crews must end in this way, but I too have decided. The yacht will take you to some point where you can catch your steamer to New York. I shall secure passage for the entire party, and very soon you will be at home. Captain Perry, will you oblige me by making it once for any port that my guests may agree upon? He was turning away deliberately when Subway Smith detained him. What do you mean by getting a steamer to New York? Isn't the flitter good enough? he asked. The flitter is not going to New York just now, answered Brewster firmly. Notwithstanding your ultimatum, she is going to take me to the North Cape. End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 of Brewster's Millions This is a LibriVox Recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon. Chapter 27 Affair Traitor Now, will you be good? cried Reggie Vanderpool to DeMille as Monty went down the companion way. The remark was precisely what was needed. For the pent-up feelings of the entire company were now poured forth upon the unfortunate young man. Subway Smith was for hanging him to the yard arm and the denunciation of the others was so decisive that Reggie sought refuge in the Charthouse. But the atmosphere had been materially cleared and the leaders of the mutiny were in a position to go into executive session and consider the matter. The women waited on deck while the meeting lasted. They were unanimous in the opinion that the affair had been badly managed. They should have offered to stay by the ship, providing Monty would let DeMille manage the cruise, said Miss Valentine. That would have been a concession that at the same time it would have put the cruise on an economical basis. In other words, you will accept a man's invitation to dinner if he will allow you to order it and invite the other guests, said Peggy, who was quick to defend Monty. Well, that would be better than helping to eat up every bit of food he possessed that Miss Valentine always avoided argument when she could and gave this as a parting thrust before she walked away. There must be something more than we know about in Monty's extravagance, said Mrs. Dan. He isn't the kind of man to squander his last penny without having something left to show for it. There must be a method in his madness. He has done it for us, said Peggy. He has devoted himself all along to giving us a good time and now we are showing our gratitude. Further discussion was prevented by the appearance of the conspiring committee and the whole company was summoned to hear DeMille's report as chairman. We have found a solution of our difficulties, he begun. And his manner was so jubilant that everyone became hopeful. It is desperate, but I think it will be effective. Monty has given us the privilege of leaving the yacht at any port where we can take a steamer to New York. Now, my suggestion is that we select the most convenient place for all of us and obviously there is nothing quite so convenient as Boston. Dan DeMille, you are quite foolish, cried his wife, who ever conceived such a ridiculous idea. Captain Perry has his instructions, continued DeMille, turning to the captain. Are we not acting along the lines marked out by Brewster himself? I will sail for Boston if you say the word, said the thoughtful captain, but he is sure to countermand such an order. He won't be able to, Captain, cried Subway Smith, who had for some time been eager to join in the conversation. This is a genuine, died-in-the-wall mutiny, and we expect to carry out the original plane, which was to put Mr Brewster in irons until we are safe from all opposition. He is my friend, Mr Smith, and at least it is my duty to protect him from any indignity, said the captain stiffly. You make for Boston, my dear captain, and we'll do the rest, said DeMille. Mr Brewster can't command your orders unless he sees you in person. We'll see to it that he has no chance to talk to you until we are in sight of Boston Harbour. The captain looked out for and shook his head as he walked away. At heart he was with the mutineers, and his mind was made up to assist them as long as it was possible to do so without violating his obligations to Brewster. He felt guilty, however, in surreptitiously giving the order to clear for Boston at daybreak. The chief officers were let into the secret, but the sailors were kept in darkness regarding the destination of the flitter. Montgomery Brewster's guests were immensely pleased with the scheme, although they were dubious about the outcome. Mrs Dan regretted her hasty comment on the plane and entered into the plot with eagerness. In accordance with plans decided upon by the mutineers, Monty's state room door was guarded through the night by two with the men. The next morning, as he emerged from his room, he was met by Subway Smith and Dan DeMille. Good morning was his greeting. How's the weather today? Bully answered DeMille. By the way, you are going to have breakfast in your room, old man. Brewster, unsuspectingly, led the way into his state room, the two following. What's the mystery, he demanded. We've been deputized to do some very nasty work, said Subway, as he turned the key in the door. We are here to tell you what port we have chosen. It's awfully good of you to tell me. Yes, isn't it? But we have studied up on the chivalrous treatment of prisoners. We have decided on Boston. Is there a Boston on this side of the water? Asked Monty in mild surprise. No, there is only one Boston in the universe, so far as we know. It is a large body of intellect surrounded by the rest of the world. What the devil are you talking about? You don't mean Boston, Massachusetts? cried Monty, leaping to his feet. Precisely. That's the port for us, and you told us to choose for ourselves, said Smith. Well, I won't have it, that's all, exclaimed Brewster, indignantly. Captain Perry takes orders from me and from no one else. He already has his orders, said DeMille, smiling mysteriously. I'll see about that, Brewster sprung to the door. It was locked, and the key was in Subway Smith's pocket. With an impatient exclamation he turned and pressed an electric button. It won't ring, Monty, exclaimed Subway. The wire has been cut. Now be cool for a minute or two, and we'll talk it over. Brewster stormed for five minutes, the delegation sitting calmly by, smiling with exasperating confidence. At last he calmed down and in terms of reason demanded an explanation. He was given to understand that the yacht would sail for Boston and that he would be kept a prisoner for the entire voyage unless he submitted to the will of the majority. Brewster listened darkly to the proclamation. He saw that they had gained the upper hand by a clever ruse and that only strategy on his part would outwit them. It was out of the question for him to submit to them now that the controversy had assumed the dignity of a struggle. But you will be reasonable, won't you? asked DeMille anxiously. I intend to fight it out to the bitter end, said Brewster, his eyes plashing. At present I am your prisoner, but it is a long way to Boston. For three days and two nights the flitter-steamed westward into the Atlantic with their temporary owner locked into his state room. The confinement was irksome, but he rather liked the sensation of being interested in something besides money. He frequently laughed to himself over the absurdity of the situation. His enemies were friends, true and devoted. His jailors were relentless, but they were considerate. The original order that he should be guarded by, one man, was violated on the first day. There were times when his guard numbered at least ten persons and some of them served tea and begged him to listen to reason. It is difficult not to listen, he said fiercely. It's like holding a man down and then asking him to be quiet, but my time is coming. Revenge will be his, exclaimed Mrs. Dan tragically. You might have your term shortened on account of good conduct if you would only behave, suggested Peggy, whose reserve was beginning to soften. Please be good and give in. I haven't been happier during the whole cruise, said Monty. On deck I wouldn't be noticed, but here I am quite the whole thing. Besides, I can get out whenever I feel like it. I have a thousand dollars which says you can't, said DeMille. And Monty snapped him up so eagerly that he added that you can't get out of your own accord. Monty acceded to the condition and offered odds on the proposition to the others, but there were no takers. That settles it, he smiled grimly to himself. I can make a thousand dollars by staying here and I can't afford to escape. On the third day of Monty's imprisonment the flitter began to roll heavily. At first he gloated over the discomfort of his guards who obviously did not like to stay below. Subway Smith and Braddon were on duty and neither was famous as a good sailor. When Monty lighted his pipe there was consternation and Subway rushed on deck. You are a brave man, Joe, Monty said to the other and blew a cloud of smoke in his direction. I knew you would stick to your post. You wouldn't leave it even if the ship should go down. Braddon had reached the stage where he dared not to speak and was busying himself trying to breathe with the motion of the boat as he had called it. By gad continued Monty relentlessly. This smoke is getting thick. Some of this toilet water might help if I sprinkled it about. One whiff of the sweet smelling cologne was enough for Braddon and he bolted up the companion way leaving the stateroom door wide open and the prisoner free to go where he pleased. Monty's first impulse was to follow but he checked himself on the threshold. Dan that bit with the mill he said to himself and added a loud to the fleeting guard but the key, Joe, I dare you to come back and get it. But Braddon was beyond recall and Monty locked the door on the inside and passed the key through the ventilator. On deck a small part of the company braved a spray in the lee at the deck house but the others had long since gone below. The boat was pitching furiously in the ugliest sea it had encountered and there was an anxiety underneath Captain Perry's mask of unconcern. DeMille and Dr. Lotless talked in the senseless way men have when they try to conceal their nervousness but the women did not respond. They were in no mood for conversation. Only one of them was quite oblivious to personal discomfort and danger. Peggy Gray was thinking of the prison below. In a reflection of her own terror she pictured him crouching in the little stateroom like a doomed criminal awaiting execution. Alone, neglected, forgotten, unpitted. At first she pleaded for the men for his release but they insisted upon waiting in the hope that a scare might bring him to his senses. Peggy saw that no help was to be secured from the other women much as they might care for Brewster's peace of mind and safety. Her heart was bitter toward everyone responsible for the situation and there was dark rebellion in her soul. It culminated finally in a resolve to release Monty Brewster at any cost. With difficulty she made her way to the stateroom door clinging to supports at times and then plunging violently away from them. For some minutes she listened frantically clutching Brewster's door and the wall rail. There was no guard and the tumult at the sea drowned every sound within. Her imagination ran right where repeated calls were not answered. Monty, Monty, she cried pounding wildly on the door. Who is it? What is the trouble? Came in muffled tones from within and Peggy breathed a prayer of thanks. Just then she discovered the key which Monty had dropped and quickly opened the door expecting to find him cowering with fear The picture was different. The prisoner was seated on the deban propped up with many pillows and reading with the aid of electric light the intrusions of Peggy. End of Chapter 27 Chapter 28 of Brewster's Millions This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon Chapter 28 A Catastrophe Oh! was Peggy's only exclamation and there was a shadow of disappointment in her eyes. Come in Peggy and read aloud was Monty's cheerful greeting as he stood before her. No I must go said Peggy confusedly. I thought you might be nervous about the storm and you came to let me out Monty had never been so happy. Yes and I don't care what the others say I thought you were suffering but at that moment the boat gave a lurch which threw her across the threshold into Monty's arms. They crashed against the wall and he held her a moment and forgot the storm. When she drew away from him she showed him the open door and freedom. She could not speak. Where are the others? he asked bracing himself in the doorway. Over Monty she cried we must not go to them they will think me a traitor. Why were you a traitor Peggy? He demanded turning toward her suddenly uh oh because it seems so cruel to keep you locked up through the storm she answered blushing and there was no other reason he persisted. Don't please don't she cried piteously and he misunderstood her emotion it was clear that she was merely sorry for him. Never mind Peggy it's alright you stood by me and I'll stand by you come on we'll face the mob and I'll do the fighting. Together they made their way into the presence of the mutineers who were crowded into the main cabin. Well here's a conspiracy cried Dan DeMille but there was no anger in his voice how did you escape? I was just thinking of unlocking your door Monty but the key seemed to be missing Peggy displayed a triumphantly by Joe cried Dan this is ranked treachery who was on guard? A steward rushing through the cabin at this moment in answer to frantic calls from Ragdon furnished an eloquent reply to the question it was simple said Monty the guards deserted their post and left the key behind then it is up to me to pay you a thousand dollars not at all protested Monty taken aback I did not escape of my own accord I had help the money is yours and now that I am free he added quietly let me say that this boat does not go to Boston just what I expected cried Vanderpool she's going straight to New York the words were hardly uttered when a heavy sea sent him sprawling across the cabin and he concluded or to the bottom not so bad as that said Captain Perry whose entrance had been somewhat hastened by the lurch of the boat but until this blows over I must keep you below he laughed but he saw they were not deceived the seas are pretty heavy and the decks are being hollow stone for nothing but I wouldn't like to have any of you washed overboard by mistake the hatches were battered down and it was a sorry company that tried to wile away the evening in the main cabin Monty's choking about the advantages of the North Cape over the stormy Atlantic was not calculated to raise the drooping spirits and it was very early when he and his shattered guests turned in there was little sleep on board the flitter that night even if it had been easy to forget the danger the creaking of the ship and the incessant roar of the water were enough for wakefulness with each lurch of the boat it seemed more incredible that it could endure it was such a might of a thing to meet so furious an attack as it rose on the wave to pause in terror on its crest before sinking shivering into the trough it made the breath come short and the heart stand still through the night the fragile little craft fought its lonely way bravely ignoring its own weakness and the infinite strength of its enemy to the captain lashed to the bridge there were hours of grave anxiety hours when he feared each wave as it approached and wondered what new damage it had done as it receded as the wind increased toward morning he felt a sickening certainty that the brave little boat was beaten somehow she seemed to lose courage to waver a bit and almost give tip the fight he watched her miserably as the dismal dawn came up out of the sea yet it was not until seven o'clock that the crash came which shook the passengers out of their births and filled them with shivering terror the whirring of the broken shaft seemed to consume the ship in every cabin it spoke with terrible vividness of disaster the clamour of voices and the rush of many feet which followed meant at one thing almost instantly the machinery was stopped an ominous silence in the midst of the dull roar of water and the cry of the wind it was a terrified crowd that quickly gathered in the main cabin but it was a brave one there were no cries and few tears they expected anything and were ready for the worst but they would not show the white feather it was Mrs. Dan who broke the tension I made sure of my pearls she said I thought they would be appreciated at the bottom of the sea Brewster came in upon their laughter I like your nerve people he exclaimed you are all right the wind has dropped long afterward when they talked the matter over Demille claimed that the only thing that bothered him that night was the effort to decide whether the club of which he and Monty were members would put in the main hallway two blackboarded cards each bearing a name or only one with both names Mr. Valentine regretted that he had gone on for years paying life insurance premiums when now his only relatives were on the boat and would die with him the captain looked pretty rocky after his 24 hour vigil summoned his chief were in a bad hole Mr Brewster he said when they were alone and no mistake a broken shaft and this weather make a pretty poor combination is there no chance of making a port for repairs I don't see it sir it looks like a long pool we are off our course I suppose and Monty's coolness won Captain Perry's admiration I can't tell just how much until I get the sun but this wind is hell I suspect we've drifted pretty far come and get some coffee captain while the storm lasts the only thing to do is to cheer up the women and trust to luck you're the nerviest mate I ever shipped with Mr Brewster and the captain's hand gripped Monty's in a way that meant things it was a tribute he appreciated during the day Monty devoted himself to his guests and at first sign of pensiveness he was ready with a jest or a story but he did it all with a tact that inspired the crowd as a whole with hope and no one suspected that he himself was not cheerful the Peggy Gray there was a special tenderness and he made up his mind that if things should go wrong he would tell her that he loved her it could do no harm he thought to himself and I want her to know that the worst was over the sea had gone down and the hatches were open for a while to admit air though it was still too rough to venture out the next morning was bright and clear when the company gathered on deck the havoc created by the storm was apparent two of the boats had been completely carried away and the launch was rendered useless by a large hole in the stern you don't mean to say that we will drift about until the repairs can be made ask Mrs Dan in alarm we are 300 miles off the course already explained Monty and it will be pretty slow travelling under sail it was decided to make for the Canary Islands where repairs could be made and the voyage resumed but where the wind had raged a few days before it had now disappeared all together and for a week the plitter tossed about absolutely unable to make headway the first of August had arrived and Monty himself was beginning to be nervous with the fatal day not quite two months away things began to look serious over $100,000 would remain after he had settled the expenses of the cruise and he was helplessly drifting in mid ocean even if the necessary repairs could be made promptly it would take the flitter 14 days to sail from the Canaries to New York figure as hard as he could he saw no way out of the unfortunate situation two days more elapsed and still no sign of a breeze he made sure that September 23rd would find him still drifting and still in possession of $100,000 superfluous dollars at the end of 10 days the yacht had progressed but 200 miles and Monty was beginning to plan the rest of his existence on a capital of $100,000 he had given up all hope of the Sedgewick legacy trying to be resigned to his fate when a tramp steamer was suddenly sighted Brewster ordered the man on watch to fly a flag of distress then he reported to the captain and told what he had done with a bound the captain rushed on deck and tore the flag from the sailor's hand that was my order said Monty nettle with the captain's manner you want them to get a line on us and claim salvage do you? what do you mean? if they get a line on us in response to that flag they will claim the entire value of the ship as salvage you want to spend another $200,000 on this boat I didn't understand said Monty sheepishly but for God's sake fix it up somehow can't they tell us I'll pay for it communication was slow but after an apparently endless amount of signaling the captain finally announced that the freight steamer was bound for Southampton and would tow the flitter to that point for a price back to Southampton grown Monty that means months before we get back to New York he says he can get us to Southampton in 10 days and he abducted the captain I can do it I can do it he cried to the consternation of his guests who wondered if his mind was affected if he'll land us in Southampton by the 27th I'll pay him up to $100,000 end of Chapter 28 Chapter 29 of Brewster's millions this is a Librivox recording all Librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon Chapter 29 The Predicles Return after what seemed an age to Monty the flitter Glencoe arrived at Southampton the captain of the freight boat was a thrifty scotchman whose ship was travelling with a light cargo and he was not, therefore averse to taking on a tow but the thought of Selvidge had caused him to ask a high price for the service and Monty after a futile attempt at bargaining the price was $50,000 and the young man believed more than ever that everything was real by a wise providence which had not deserted him his guests were heart-sick when they heard the figure but were as happy as Monty at the prospect of reaching land again the Glencoe made several stops before Southampton was finally reached the trip of August but when the English coast was sighted everyone was too eager to go ashore to begrudge the extra day Dan DeMille asked the entire party to become his guests for a weeks shooting trip in Scotland but Monty vetoed the plan in the most decided manner we sail for New York on the fastest boat said Monty and the sailings and bookies party the first boat was to sail on the 30th and he could only secure accommodations for 12 of his guests the rest were obliged to follow a week later this was readily agreed to and Braggdon was left to see to the necessary repairs on the flitter and a range for her home would voyage Monty gave Braggdon a promise for the purpose and extracted a solemn promise that the entire amount would be used but it won't cost half of this protested Braggdon you will have to give these people a good time during the week and well you have promised that I shall never see another penny of it some day you'll know why I do this and Monty felt easier when his friend agreed by his wishes he discharged the flitter's crew with five months' pay and the reward promised on the night of Peggy's rescue which was productive of touching emotions Captain Perry and his officers never forgot the farewell of the prodigal nor could they hide the regret that marked their weather beaten faces plans to dispose of his household goods and the balance of his cash in the short time that would be left after he arrived in New York occupied Monty's attention and most men would have given up the scheme as hopeless but he did not despair he was still going and he prepared for the final punch with grim determination there should have been a clause in Jones's condition about weather permitting a shipwrecked mariner should not be expected to spend a million dollars the division of the party for the two sailings was tactfully arranged by Mrs Dan DeMille the Valentine's chaperone the second table as Subway Smith called those who were to take the later boat and she herself looked after the first slot Peggy Gray and Monty Brewster were in the DeMille party the three days in England were marked by unparalleled extravagance on Monty's part one of the local hotels was subsidised for a week although the party only stayed for luncheon and the Cecil in London was a gainer by several thousand dollars for the brief stop there it was a care worn little van that took Monty's special train and embarked two days later the rescuer that followed was welcomed to all of them and Brewster was especially glad that his race was almost run swiftly and steadily the liner cut down the leagues that separated her from New York fair weather and fair cheer marked her course and the soft barmy nights were like seasons of fairy land Monty was cherishing in his heart the hope inspired by Peggy's action on the night of the storm somehow it brought a small ray of light to his clouded understanding and he found joy in keeping the flame alive religiously if somewhat doubtfully his eyes followed her constantly searching for the encouragement that the very blindness of love was hidden from him forever tormenting himself with fears and hopes and fears again her happiness and vivacity puzzled him he was often annoyed he was now and then seriously mystified four days out from New York then three days then two days and then Brewster began to feel the beginning of the final whirlwind of jealousy clouding him oppressively ominously unkindly down in his state room he drew new estimates new calculations and tried to balance the old ones so that they appeared in the light most favourable to his designs going over the statistics carefully he estimated that the crews including the repairs in New York would cost him $210,000 in round figures 133 days marked the length of the voyage when reckoned by time and as near as he could get at it the expense had average $1,580 a day according to the contract he was to pay for the yacht expensive at the cuisine and personal service and he had found it simple enough to spend the remaining $1,080 there were days of course when fully $5,000 disappeared and there were others on which he spent much less than $1,000 but the average was secure taking everything into consideration he also found that his fortune had dwindled to a fair poultry thousands in addition to the proceeds which would come to him from the sale of his furniture on the whole he was satisfied the landing in New York and the separation which followed were now entirely merry every discomfort was forgotten and the travellers only knew that the most wonderful crews in the arc had come to an end there was not one who would not have been glad to begin it again the next day immediately after the landing Brewster and Gardner were busy with the details of settlement after clearing up all of the obligations arising from the crews they felt the appropriateness of a season of reflection it was a difficult moment a moment when undelivered reproofs were in the air but Gardner seemed much the more melancholy of the two piles of newspaper lay scattered about the four of the room in which they sat everyone of them contained sensational stories of the prodigal's trip with pictures, incidents and predictions Monty was pained humiliated and resentful but he was honest enough to admit the justification of much that was said of him he read bits of it here and there and then through the papers aside hopelessly in a few weeks they would tell another story and quite as emphatically the worst of it Monty is that you are the next thing to being a poor man grown Gardner you are the next thing to realize for you here at home as you'll see by these figures that nothing could possibly balance the extravagances of this for each they are simply appalling with the condemnation of his friends ringing in his troubled brain with the snares of acquaintances to distress his pride with the jibes at the comic papers to torture him as a miserable man in New York friends at former days gave him the cut direct Clubman ignored him or scorned him openly women chilled him with the iciness of the unspoken reproof and all the world was hung with shadows the doggedness of despair kept him up but the strain that pulled down on him was so relentless that the struggle was losing his equality he had not expected such a homecoming compared with his former self Monty was now almost a physical wreck haggard, thin and defined a shadow of the once debonair young New Yorker an object of pity and scorn ashamed and despairing he had almost lacked the courage to face Mrs Gray the insulation he once gained through her he now denied himself and his suffering peculiar as it was was very real in absolute recklessness he gave dinner after dinner party after party all on a most lavish scale many of his guests laughing at him openly while they enjoyed his hospitality the real friends pleaded did everything within their power to check his awful rush to poverty but without success he was not to be stopped at last the furniture began to go then the plate then all the priceless bric-a-brac piece by piece had disappeared until the apartments were empty and he had squandered almost all $40,350 arising from the sales the servants were paid off the apartments relinquished and he was beginning to know what it meant to be on his uppers at the banks he asserted that the interest on his monies amounted to $19,140 and 86 cents a week before the 23rd of September the whole million was gone including amounts one in lumber and fuel and other luckless enterprises he still had about $17,000 of his interest money in the banks that he had a billion pangs in his heart the interest on his improvidence he found some delight in the discovery that the servants had robbed him of not less than $3,500 worth of his belongings including the Christmas presents that he in honour could not have sold his only encouragement came from Grant and Ripley the lawyers they inspired confidence in his lagging brain by urging him on to the end promising brightness thereafter Roger Jones was as mute as the mountains in which he lived there was no word from him there was no assurance that he would approve of what had been done to obliterate Edwin Peter Brewster's legacy Dan DeMille and his wife implored Monty to come with them to the mountains before his substance was gone completely the former offered him money for his retirement rest and security if he would abandon the course he was pursuing up in 40th Street Peggy Gray was grieving her heart out and he knew it two or three of those whom he had considered friends refused to recognise him in the street in this last trying week and it did not even interest him to learn that Miss Barbara Drew before the winter was gone yet he found some satisfaction in the report that one Hampton of Chicago had long since been dropped out of the race one day he implored the faithful Bragdon to steal the Boston Terriers he could not and would not sell them and he did not give them away Bragdon dejectedly appropriated the dogs and Brewster announced that someday he would offer a reward for their return and no questions asked he took a suite of rooms in a small hotel and was feverishly planning the overthrow of the last torturing thousands Bragdon lived with him and the little sons of the rich stood loyally ready to help him when he uttered the first cry of want the establishment had to be abandoned at last the old rooms in 40th street were still open to him he faced the ordeal in the spirit of a martyr End of Chapter 29 Chapter 30 of Brewster's Millions this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George V. McCutcheon Chapter 30 The Promise of Thrift Monty you are breaking my heart was the first and only appeal Mrs. Gray ever made to him it was two days before the 23rd and it did not come until the second hand store men had driven away from her door with the bulk of his clothing in their wagon she and Peggy had seen little of Brewster and his nervous relentlessness alarmed them his return was the talk of the town men tried to shun him but he persistently wasted some portion of his fortune on his unwilling subjects when he gave $5,000 in cash to a home for news boys even his friends jumped to the conclusion that he was mad it was his only gift to charity and he excused his motive in giving at this time by recalling Sedgwick's injunction to give sparingly to charity everything was gone from his thoughts but the overpowering eagerness to get rid of a few troublesome thousands he felt like an outcast a pariah a hated object that infected everyone with whom he came in contact sleep was almost impossible eating was a past he gave elaborate suffers which he did not touch already his best friends were discussing the advisability of putting him in a sanitarium where his mind might be preserved his case was looked upon as peculiar in the history of mankind no writer could find a parallel no one imagine a comparison Mrs Gray met him in the hallway of our home as he was nervously pocketing the $60 he had received in payment for his clothes her face was like that of a ghost he tried to answer her reproof but the words would not come and he fled to his room locking the door after him he was at work there on the transaction that was to record the total disappearance of Edwin Brewster's million his final report to Swaraj and Jones executor of James Sedgwick's wheel on the floor were bundles of packages carefully wrapped and tied the table was the long sheet of white paper on which the report was being drawn the package contained receipts thousands upon thousands of them for the dollars he had spent in less than a year they were there for the inspection of Swaraj and Jones faithfully and honorably kept as if the old Westerner would go over in detail the countless documents he had the accounts balanced up to the hour on the long sheet lay the record of his ruthlessness the epitaph of a million in his pocket was exactly $79.08 this was to last him for less than 48 hours and then it would go to join the rest it was his plan to visit Grant and Ripley on the afternoon of the 22nd and to read the report to them in anticipation of meeting with Jones on the day following just before noon after his encounter with Mrs. Gray he came downstairs and boldly for the first time in days sought out Peggy there was the old smile in his eye and the old heartiness in his voice when he came upon her in the library she was not reading books, pleasures and all the joys of life had fled from her mind and she thought only at the disaster that was coming to the boy she had always loved his heart smote him as he looked into the deep somber frightened eyes running over with love and fear for him Peggy do you think I'm worth anything more from your mother do you think she will ask me to live here any longer he asked steadily taking her hand in his hers was cold his as hot as fire you know what you said away off yonder somewhere that she'd let me live here if I deserved it I am a pauper Peggy and I'm afraid I might have to get down to drudgery again and turn me out you know I must have somewhere to live shall it be the poor house do you remember saying one day that I'd end in the poor house she was looking into his eyes dreading what might be seen in them but there was no gleam of insanity there there was no fever instead there was the quiet smile of the man who is satisfied with himself and the world his voice bore traces of emotion but it was the voice of one who has perfect control of his wits is it all gone, Monty she asked almost in a whisper here is the residue of my estate he said opening his purse with steady fingers I'm back to where I left off a year ago the man is gone and my wings are clipped her face was white her heart was in the clutch of ice how could he be so calm about it when for him she was suffering such agony twice she started to speak but her voice failed her she turned slowly and walked to the window keeping her back to the man who smiled so sadly and yet so heartlessly I didn't want the million piggy he went on you think as the rest do I know that I was a feel to act as I did it would be rank idiocy in my part to blame you and more than the others for thinking as you do appearances are against me the proof is overwhelming a year ago I was called a man today they are stripping me to that distinction the world says I am a fool adult almost a criminal but no one believes I am a man Peggy will you feel better toward me if I tell you that I am going to begin life all over again it will be a new Monty Brewster that starts out again in a few days or if you will it shall be the old one the Monty you once knew the old Monty she murmured softly dreamily it would be good to see him so much better than to see the Monty at the last year and in spite of all I have done Peggy you will stand by me you won't desert me like the rest you'll be the same Peggy at the other days he cried his calmness breaking down how can you ask why should you doubt me for a moment they stood silent each looking into the heart of the other each seeing the beginning of a new day child his voice trembled dangerously I wonder if you care enough for me to but he could only look the question to start all over again with you she whispered yes to trust yourself to the prodigal who has returned without you child all the rest would be as the husks Peggy I want you you do love me I can see it in your eyes I can feel it in your presence how long you have been in realizing it she said pensively as she stretched out her arms to him for many minutes he held her close finding a beautiful piece in the world again how long have you really cared he asked in a whisper always Monty all my life and I too child all my life I know it now I've known it for months oh what a feel I was to have wasted all this love but I'll not be a proclogate in love Peggy I'll not squander an atom of it dear not as long as I live and we will build a greater love Monty as we build the new life together we can never be poor while we have love as a treasure you won't mind being poor with me he asked I can't be poor with you she said simply you might have let all this escape me he cried fervently listen Peggy we will start together you as my wife and my fortune you shall be all that is left to me at the past will you marry me the day after tomorrow don't say no dearest I want to begin on that day at seven in the morning dear don't you see how good the start will be and he pleaded so ardently and so earnestly that he won his point even though it grew out of a whim that she could not then understand she was not to learn until afterward his object in having the marriage take place on the morning of September 23rd two hours before the time set for the turning over of the sedge with millions if all went well they would be bruised as millions before twelve o'clock and Peggy's life of poverty would cover no more than three hours of time she believed him with a lifetime of poverty so they would start the new life with but one position love Peggy rebelled against his desire to spend the seventy dollars that still remained Peggy was firm in his determination they would dine and drive together and see all of the old life that was left on seventy dollars then on the next day they would start all over again there was one rude moment of dismay when it occurred to him that Peggy might be considered an asset if she became his wife before nine o'clock but he realised at once that it was only demanded of him that he be penniless and that he possess no object that had been acquired through the medium of Edwin Peter Brister's money surely this wife who was not to come to him until his last dollar was gone could not be the product of an old man's legacy but so careful was he in regard to the transaction that he decided to borrow the money of Joe Bragdon to buy the license and to pay the minister's fee not only would he be penniless on the day of settlement but he would be in debt so changed was the colour of the world to him now that even the failure to win Sedgewick's millions could not crush out the new life and the new joy that had come to him with the winning day End of Chapter 30 Chapter 31 of Brewster's Millions This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org This reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon Chapter 31 How the Million Disappeared Soon after noon on the 22nd of September Monty folded his report to Swaridon Jones stuck it into his pocket and sellied forth a parcel delivery wagon had carried off a mysterious bundle a few minutes before Mrs Gray could not conceal her wonder but Brewster's answers to her questions threw little light on the mystery He could not tell her the big bundle contained the receipts that were to prove his sincerity when the time came to settle with Mr Jones Brewster had used his own form of receipt for every purchase The little stub receipt books had been made to order for him and not only he in his employ carried one everywhere no matter how trivial the purchase the person who received a dollar of Brewster's money signed a receipt for the amount news boys and boot blacks were the only beings who escaped the formality tips to waiters porters, cabbies etc were recorded and afterward put into a class by themselves receipts for the few dollars remaining in his position were to be turned over on the morning of the 23rd and the general report was not to be completed until 9 o'clock on that day he kissed Peggy goodbye told her to be ready for a drive at 4 o'clock and then went off to find Joe Bregdon and Alan Gardner they met him by appointment and to then decided he's designed to be married on the following day you can't afford it Monty exploded Joe fearlessly Peggy is too good a girl by Gad it isn't fair to her we have agreed to begin life tomorrow wait and see the result I think it will surprise you incidentally it is up to me to get the license today and to engage a minister's services it's going to be quiet you know Joe you can be my best man if you like and Gardie I'll expect you to sign your name as one of the witnesses tomorrow evening we'll have supper at Mrs Graves and among those present will not comprise a very large list I assure you but we'll talk about that later on just now I want to ask you fellows to lend me enough money to get the license and pay the preacher I'll return it tomorrow afternoon well I'm damned exclaimed Gardner utterly dumbfounded by the nerve of the man but they went with him to get the license and pregnant paid for it Gardner promised to have the minister at the Grey House the next morning Monty's other request made him deep seriousness was that Peggy was not to be told of the little transaction in which the license and the minister figured so prominently he then hurried off to the office of Grant and Ripley the bundles of receipts had preceded him has Jones arrived in town was the first anxious question after the greetings he is not registered at any of the hotels responded Mr Grant and Brewster did not see the troubled look that passed over his face he'll show up tonight I presume said he complacently the lawyers did not tell him that all the telegram say had sent to Swarajan Jones in the past two weeks had been returned to the New York office as unclaimed in Butte the telegraph company reported that Mr Jones was not to be found and that he had not been seen in Butte since the third of September the lawyers were hourly expecting word from Montana men to whom they had telegraphed for information and advice they were extremely nervous but Montgomery Brewster was too eager and excited to notice the fact a tall bearded stranger was here this morning asking for you Mr Brewster said Ripley his head bent over some papers on his desk ah Jones I'm sure I've always imagined him with a long beard said Monty relief in his voice it was not Mr Jones we know Jones quite well this man was a stranger and refused to give his name he said he would call it afternoon did he look like a constable or a bill collector asked Monty with a laugh he looked very much like a tramp well we'll forget him for the time being said Monty drawing the report from his pocket would you mind looking over this report gentlemen I'd like to know if it is in proper form to present to Mr Jones Grant's hand trembled a carefully folded sheet from Brewster a quick glance of despair passed between the two lawyers of course you'll understand that this report is merely a synopsis of the expenditures they are classified however and the receipts over there are arranged in such a way that Mr Jones can very easily verify all the figures set out in the report for instance where it says cigars I have put down the total amount that went up in smoke the receipts are to serve as an itemized statement you know Mr Ripley took the paper from his partner's hand and pulling himself together read the report aloud it was as follows New York September 23rd to Swaraj and Jones Esquire executor under the wheel of the late James T Sedgwick of Montana in persuasions of the terms of the aforesaid wheel and in accord with the instructions set forth by yourself as executor I present my report of receipts and disbursements for the year in my life ending at midnight on September 22nd the accuracy of the figures set forth in this general statement may be established by referring to the receipts which form a part of this report there is not one penny of Edward Peter Brewster's money in my possession and I have no asset to mark its burial place these figures are submitted for your most careful consideration original capital $1,000 lumber and fuel misfortune $58,550 prize fight misjudged $1,000 Monte Carlo education $40,000 racetrack errors $700 sale of six terrier pups $150 tax $40,500 interest on funds once in hand $19,140 total amount to be disposed of $1,160,040 disbursements rent for apartments $23,000 apartments $88,372 three automobiles $21,000 renting six automobiles $25,000 amount lost $2,000 salaries $25,650 amount paid to men injured in auto accident $12,240 amount lost in bank failure $113,468 and $25 amount lost on races $4,000 one glass green $3,000 Christmas presents $7,211 postage $105 cable and telegraph $3,253 stationery $2,400 two Boston Terriers $600 amount lost to hold up men $450 amount lost on concert tour $56,382 $56,382 amount lost through O'Harrison speculation on my account $60,000 one ball in two sections $60,000 extra favors $6,000 one yacht cruise $212,309 and $0.50 one carnival $6,824 cigars $1,720 drinks cheaply for others $9,040 clothing $3,400 rent of one villa $20,000 one courier $500 dinner parties $117,900 suppers and luncheons $38,000 theater parties and suppers $6,277 hotel expenses $61,218 and $0.59 railways and steamship fares $31,274 and $0.81 the news boys home $5,000 two opera performances $20,000 repairs to Flitter $6,342 and $0.60 in tow from somewhere Southampton $50,000 special train to Florida $1,000 cottage in Florida $5,500 medical attendance $3,100 living expenses in Florida $8,900 misappropriation of personal property by servants $1,580 taxes on personal property $112 and $0.25 sundries $9,105 household expenses $24,805 total disbursements $1,160,040 balance on hand $0 respectfully submitted Montgomery Brewster it's rather broad you see gentlemen but there are receipts for every dollar barring some trifling incidentals he may think I dissipated the fortune but I defy him or anyone else to prove that I have not had my money's worth to tell you the truth it has seemed like $100,000,000 if anyone should tell you that it is an easy matter to waste $1,000,000 refer him to me last fall I weighed $180 yesterday I barely moved the beam at $140,000 last fall there was not a wrinkle in my face nor did I have a white hair you see the result of overwork gentlemen it will take an age to get back to where I was physically but I think I can do it with the vacation that begins tomorrow incidentally I'm going to be married tomorrow morning just when I am poorer than I ever expect to be again I still have a few dollars to spend and I must be about it tomorrow I will account for what I spend this evening it is now covered by the sundries item but I will have the receipts to show all right see you tomorrow morning he was gone eager to be with Peggy afraid to discuss his report with the lawyers Grant and Ripley shook their heads and sat silent for a long time after his departure we ought to hear something definite before night said Grant but there was anxiety in his voice I wonder news Ripley as if to himself how he will take it if the worst should happen end of chapter 31 chapter 32 of Brewster's Millions this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information all to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon chapter 32 the night before it's all up to Jones now keep running through Brewster's brain as he drove off to keep his appointment with Peggy Gray the million is gone all gone I'm as poor as Jobs Turkey Mr. Jones but I don't see how he can decide against me he insisted on making a pauper of me and he can't have the heart to throw me down now but what if he should take it into his head to be ugly I wonder if I could break the wheel I wonder if I could beat him out in court Peggy was waiting for him her cheeks were flushed as with the fever he gave him the mad excitement of the occasion come Peggy he exclaimed eagerly this is our last holiday let's be merry we can forget it tomorrow if you like when we begin all over again but maybe it will be worth remembering he assisted her to the seat and then looped up beside her whereof there was absolutely madness dear she said but her eyes were sparkling with joy of recklessness away went the trap and the two light hearts Mrs. Gray turned from the window in the house with tears in her eyes to her troubled mind they were driving off into utter darkness the queerest looking man came to the house Peggy he wore a beard and he made me think of one of Remington's cowboys what was his name he told the maid it did not matter I saw him as he walked away and he looked very much a man he said he would come tomorrow if he did not find you downtown tonight don't you recognise him from the description not at all after a moment's painful reflection he couldn't have been a I know what you mean an officer sent up to attach my belongings or something of the sort no dearest I give you my word of honour I do not owe a dollar in the world then he recalls his peculiar indebtness to Bragdon and Gardner except one or two very small personal obligations he added hastily don't worry about it dear we are out for a good time and we must make the most of it first we drive through the park then we go on at Cherries but we must dress for that dear she cried and the chaperone he turned very red when she spoke of dressing I'm ashamed to confess it Peggy but I have no other clothes I'm wearing now don't look so hurt dear I'm going to leave an order for new evening clothes tomorrow if I have the time and about the chaperone people won't be talking before tomorrow and by that time no Monty Cherries is out of the question we can't go there she said decisively oh Peggy that spoils everything and deep disappointment it isn't fair to me Monty everybody would know us and every tongue would wag they would say there are Monty Brewster and Margaret Gray spending his last few dollars on her you wouldn't have them think that he saw the justice in her protest a quiet little dinner in some out of the way place would be joyous she added persuasively you're right Peggy you're always right you see I'm so used to spending money by the handful that I don't know how to do it any other way I believe I'll let you carry the pocketbook after tomorrow let me think I knew a nice little restaurant downtown we'll go there and then to the theatre Dan DeMille and his wife are to be in my box and we're all going up to the Pentagill studio afterwards I'm to give the little sons a farewell supper if my calculations don't go wrong that will be the end of the joint and we'll go home happy at 11 o'clock Pentagill studio opened its doors to the little sons and their guests and the last Dutch lunch was soon underway Brewster had paid for it early in the evening and when he sat down at the head at the table there was not a penny in his pockets a year ago at the same hour he and the little sons were having a birthday feast a million dollars came to him on that night tonight he was poorer by far than on the other occasion but he expected a little gift on the new anniversary around the board the little sons sat six guests among them the DeMille's Peggy Gray and Mary Valentine Nopper Harrison was the only absent little son and his health was proposed by Brewster almost before the echoes of the toast to the bride and groom died away interruption came earlier on this occasion than it did that night a year ago he did not deliver his message to Brewster until three o'clock in the morning but the ADT boy who rang the bell at Pintergills a year later handed him a telegram before 12 o'clock congratulations are coming in old man said DeMille as Monty looked fearfully at the little envelope the boy had given him many happy returns of the day suggested by Joe it's sensible of you to get married on your birthday Monty it saves time and expense to your friends read it aloud said Subway Smith two to one it's from Nopper Harrison Crive Pintergill Brewster's fingers trembled he knew not why as he opened the envelope there was the most desolate feeling in his heart the ammunition that ill news had come in this last hour he drew forth the telegram and slowly plainfully unfolded it no one could have told by his expression that he felt almost that he was reading his death warrant it was from Grant and Ripley and evidently had been following him about town for two or three hours the lawyers had filed it at 8 30 o'clock he read it at a glance his eyes burning his heart freezing to the end of his days these words move sharp and distinct in his brain come to the office immediately we'll wait all night for you if necessary Jones has disappeared and there is absolutely no trace of him Grant and Ripley Brewster sat as one paralyzed with absolutely no sign of a motion in his face the others began to clamour for the contents of the telegram but his tongue was stiff and motionless his ears deaf every drop of blood in his body was still by the shock every sense given him by the creator was centred upon 11 words in the handwriting of a careless telegraph operator Jones has disappeared and there is absolutely no trace of him Jones has disappeared those were the words plain and terrible in their clearness tremendous in their brutality slowly the rest of the message began to urge its claims upon his brain come to our office immediately and we'll wait all night battle for recognition he was calm because he had not the power to express an emotion how he maintained control of himself afterward he never knew some powerful, kindly force asserted itself coming to his relief with the timeliness of a geni gradually it began to dawn upon him that the others were waiting for him to read the message he was not sure that a sound would come forth when he opened his lips to speak but the tones were steady natural and as cold as steel I am sorry I can't tell you all about this he said so gravely that his hearers were silenced it is a business matter at such vital importance that I must ask you to excuse me for an hour or so I will explain everything tomorrow please don't be uneasy if you will do me the honour to grace the board of an absent host I'll be most grateful it is imperative that I go and at once I promise to return in an hour he was standing his knees as stiff as iron is it anything serious ask the mill what has anything happened to halting, fright and tones of Peggy it concerns me alone and it is purely of a business nature seriously I can't delay going for another minute it is vital in an hour I'll return Peggy don't be worried don't be distressed about me go on and have a good time everybody and you'll find me the jolliest fellow of all when I come back it's 12 o'clock I'll be here by one on the 23rd of September let me go with you pleaded Peggy tremulously as she followed him into the hallway I must go alone he answered don't worry little woman it will be alright his kiss sent a chill to the very bottom at Peggy's heart end of chapter 32 chapter 33 of Brewster's Millions this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon chapter 33 of Jones everything seems like a dream to Brewster as he rushed off through the night to the officers of Grant and Ripley he was dazed, bewildered hardly more than half conscience a bitter smile crept upon his lips as he drew away from the street car track almost as his hand touched the rail of a car he had signalled he remembered that he did not have money enough to pay his fare it was six or seven blocks to the office of the lawyers and he was actually running before he stopped at the entrance of the big building never had an elevator travelled more slowly than the one which shot him to the seventh floor a light shone through the transom above the attorney's door and he entered without so much as a wrap on the panel Grant, who was facing the floor came to a standstill and faced his visitor closed the door please came in steady tones from Ripley Mr. Grant dropped into a chair and Brewster mechanically slammed the door is it true he demanded hoarsely his hand still on the knob sit down Brewster and control yourself Ripley good God, man can't you see I am calm cried Brewster go on tell me all about it what do you know what have you heard he cannot be found that's all announced Ripley with deadly intentness I don't know what it means there is no explanation the whole thing is inconceivable as quickly as possible there isn't much to tell said Grant mechanically I can take it better standing, declared Brewster shutting his jaws tightly Jones was last seen imbued on the third of this month said Ripley we sent several telegrams to him after that day asking when he expected to leave for New York they never were claimed to have company reported that he could not be found we thought he might have gone off to look after some of his property and were not uneasy finally we began to wonder why he had not wired us on leaving for the east I telegraphed him again and got no answer adorned upon us that this was something unusual we wired his secretary and received a response from the chief of police he asked in turn if we could tell him anything about the whereabouts of Jones this naturally alarmed us and yesterday we kept the wires hot the result of our enquiries is terrible Mr Brewster why didn't you tell me ask Brewster there can be no doubt that Jones has fled accompanied by his secretary the belief imbued is that the secretary has murdered him God was the only sound that came from the lips of Brewster Ripley moistened his lips and went on we have dispatchers here from the police the banks the trust companies and from half a dozen mine managers you may read them if you like but I can tell you what they say about the first of this month Jones began to turn various securities into money it is now known that they were once the property of Jones T. Sedgwick held in trust for you the safety deposit vaults were afterwards visited and inspection shows that he removed every scrap of stock every bond everything of value that he could lay his hands upon his own papers and effects were not disturbed yours alone have disappeared it is this fact that convinces the authorities that the secretary has made away with the old man and has fled with the property the bank people say that Jones drew out every dollar of the Sedgwick money and the police say that he realized tremendous sums on the convertible securities the strange part of it is that he solved your mines and your real estate the purchaser being a man named Golden Brewster it looks very much as if he has disappeared with everything Brewster did not take his eyes from Ripley's face throughout the terrible speech he did not move a fraction of an inch from the rigid position assumed at the beginning is anything being done he asked mechanically the police are investigating he is known to have started off into the mountains with his secretary on the 3rd of September neither has been seen since that day so far as anyone knows the earth seems to have swallowed them the authorities are searching the mountains and are making every effort to find Jones or his body he is known to be eccentric and at first not much importance was attached to his actions that is all we can tell you at present there may be developments tomorrow it looks bad terribly bad we had the utmost confidence in Jones my God I wish I could help you my boy I don't blame you gentlemen said Brewster bravely it's just my luck that's all something told me all along that that it wouldn't turn out right I wasn't looking for this kind of end though my only fear was that Jones wouldn't consider me worthy to receive the fortune it never occurred to me that he might prove to be the unworthy one I will take you a little farther into our confidence Brewster said Grant slowly Mr Jones notified us at the beginning that he would be governed largely in his decision by our opinion of your conduct that is why we felt no hesitation in advising you to continue as you were going while you were off at sea we had many letters from him all in that sarcastic vein of his but in none of them did he give the word a criticism he seemed thoroughly satisfied with your methods in fact he once said he'd give a million of his own money if it would purchase your ability to spend one fourth of it well he can have my experience free of charge a beggar can't be a chooser you know said Brewster bitterly his color was gradually coming back what do they know about the secretary he asked suddenly intent and alive he was a new one I understand who came to Jones less than a year ago Jones is said to have had implicit faith in him said Ripley and he disappeared at the same time they were last seen together then he has put an end to Jones cried Monty excitedly it is as plain as day to me don't you see that he exerted some sort of influence over the old man inducing him to get all his money together on some pretext or other solely for the purpose of robbing him of the whole amount was ever anything more diabolical he began pacing the floor like an animal and unclassing his hands we must catch that secretary I don't believe Jones was dishonest he has been duped by a clever scoundrel the strangest circumstance of all Mr Brewster is that no such person as Golden the purchaser of your properties can be found he is supposed to reside in Omaha and it is known that he paid $3 million for the property that now stands in his name he paid it too Mr Jones in cash too and he paid every cent that the property is worth that he must be in existence somewhere cried Brewster in perplexity how the devil could he pay the money if he doesn't exist I only know that no trace of the man can be found they know nothing of him in Omaha said Grant helplessly so it has finally happened said Brewster but his excitement had dropped well, he added throwing himself into a deep chair it was always much too strange to be true even at the beginning it seemed like a dream and now, well now I am just awake after the fairy tale I seem like a fool to have taken it so seriously there was no other way protested Ripley you were quite right well, after all continued Brewster and the boy was as of one in a dream perhaps it's as well to have been in Wonderland even if you have to come down afterward to the ordinary will I am foolish perhaps, but even now I would not give it up then the thought of Peggy clutched him by the throat and he stopped after a moment he gathered himself together and rose gentlemen, he said sharply and his voice had changed I have had my fun and this is the end of it down underneath I am desperately tired of the whole thing I will give you my word that you will find me a different man tomorrow I am going to buckle down to the real thing I am going to prove that my grandfather's blood is in me and I shall come out on top Ripley was obviously moved as he replied I don't question it for a moment you are made of the right stuff I saw that long ago you may count on us tomorrow for any amount you need Grant endorse the opinion I like your spirit Brewster he said there are not many men who would have taken this as well it's pretty hard on you too and it's a miserable wedding gift for your bride we may have important news from Butte in the morning said Ripley, hopefully at any rate the newspapers will have sensational stories no doubt and we have asked for the latest particulars direct from the authorities we'll see that things are properly investigated go home now my boy and go to bed you will begin tomorrow with good luck on your side and you may be happy all your life in spite of tonight's depression I'm sure to be happy said Brewster simply this ceremony takes place at seven o'clock gentlemen I was coming to your office at nine on a little matter of business that I fancy it won't after all be necessary for me to hurry I'll drop in before noon however and get that money by the way here are the receipts for the money I spent tonight where you put them away with the others I am going to live up to my part of the contract and it will save me the trouble of presenting them regularly in the morning good night gentlemen I am sorry you were obliged to stay up so late on my account he left them bravely enough that he had more than one moment of witness before he could meet his friends the world seemed unreal and himself the most but the night air acted as a stimulant and helped him to call back his courage when he entered the studio at one o'clock he was prepared to redeem his promise to be the jolliest fellow of them all end of chapter 33