 Chapter 10 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 10 Napoleon of Finance The next two months were busy ones for Brewster. Miss Drew saw him quite as often as before the important interview, but he was always a puzzle to her. His attitude has changed somehow, she thought to herself, and then she remembered that a man who wins a girl after an ardent suit is often like one who runs after a streetcar, then sits down to read his paper. In truth, after the first few days, Monti seemed to have forgotten his competitors and was resting in the consciousness of his assured position. Each day he sent her flowers and considered that he had more than done his duty. He used no small part of his income on the flowers, but in this case his mission was almost forgotten in his love for Barbara. Monti's attitude was not due to any wanting of his affection, but to the very unromantic business in which he was engaged. It seemed to him that plan as he might, he could not devise fresh ways and means to earn $16,000 a day. He was still comfortably ahead in the race, but a famine in opportunities was not far remote. Ten big dinner parties and a string of elaborate after-the-play suppers maintained a fair but insufficient average and he could see that the time was ripe for radical measures. He could not go on forever with these dinners. People were already beginning to refer to the fact that he was warming his toes on the social register and he had no desire to become the laughing stock of the town. The few slighting sarcastic remarks about his business ability, chiefly by women, and therefore reflected from the men, hurt him. Miss Drew's apparently harmless taunt and Miss Dan's open criticism told plainly enough how the wind was blowing, it was Peggy's gentle questions that cut the deepest. There was such honest concern in her voice that he could see how his profligacy was troubling her and Miss's grave. In their eyes, more than in the others, he felt ashamed and humiliated. Finally, goaded by the remark of a bank director which he overheard, Edward P. Brewster is turning handsprings in his grave over the way he is going it, mind he resolved to redeem himself in the eyes of his critics. He would show them that his brain was not wholly given over to frivolity. With this project in mind, he decided to cause a little excitement in Wall Street. For some days, he stealthily watched the stock market and plied his friends with questions about values. Constant reading and observation finally convinced him that lumber and fuel common was the one stock in which he could safely plunge. Casting aside all apprehension, so far as Swaraj and Jones was concerned, he prepared for what was to be his one and only venture on the stock exchange before the 23rd of the following September. With all the cunning and craftiness of a general, he loathed his plans for the attack. Gardner's face was the picture of despair when Brewster asked him to buy heavily in lumber and fuel. Good heavens, Monty, cried the broker, you're joking, lumber is away up now. It can't possibly go a fraction of a point higher. Take my advice and don't touch it. It opened today at 111 ¾ and closed at 109. Why, man, you're crazy to think about it for an instant. I know my business, Gardner, said Brewster quietly, and his conscience smote him when he saw the flush of mortification creep into the face of his friend. The rebuke had cut Gardner to the quick. But, Monty, I know what I'm talking about. At least let me tell you something about this stock, pleaded Alan, loyally despite the wound. Gardner, I've gone into this thing carefully, and if ever a man felt sure about anything, I do about this, said Monty, decidedly, but affectionately. Take my word for it. Lumber can't go any higher. Think of the situation. The lumbermen in the north and west are overstocked, and there is a strike ready to go into effect. When that comes, the stock will go for a song. The slump is liable to begin any day. My mind is made up, said the other firmly, and Gardner was in despair. Will you or will you not execute an order for me at the opening tomorrow? I'll start with ten thousand shares. What will it cost me to margin it for ten points? At least a hundred thousand exclusive of commission, which would be twelve and a half, a hundred shares. Despite the most strenuous opposition from Gardner, Brewster adhered to his design, and the broker executed the order the next morning. He knew that Brewster had but one chance to win, and that was to buy the stock in a lump, instead of distributing it among several brokers and throughout the session. This was a point that Monty had overlooked. There had been little to excite the stock exchange for some weeks. Nothing was active, and the slightest flurry was hailed as an event. Everyone knew that the calm would be disturbed at some 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 Alan Gardner, acting for Montgomery Brewster, took ten thousand shares at one hundred and eight three quarter, there was a mighty gasp on the exchange, then a rubbing of eyes, then commotion. A 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 fuel, 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 porter 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 carried Monty off his feet. How did you do it, my boy? cried the Colonel. She's off a point or two now, I believe, but half an hour ago she was booming. Yet I never heard of anything more spectacular. Monty's heart was in his mouth as he rushed over to the ticker. It did not take him long to grasp the immensity of the disaster. Gardner had bought in at a hundred and eight-three-quarter, and that very action seemed to put new life into the stock. Just as it was on the point of breaking the lack of support along came this sensational order for ten thousand shares. And there could be but one result. At one time in the morning, lumber and fuel, traded in by excited holders, touched a hundred and thirteen and a half, and seemed in a fair way to hold firm around that figure. Other men came up and listened eagerly, brisk to realise that his dash in lumber and fuel had been a master stroke of cleverness when considered from the point of view of these men, but a catastrophe from his own. I hope you sold it when it was at the top," said the colonel anxiously. I instructed Gardner to sell only when I gave the word, said Monty, lonely. Several of the men looked at him in surprise and disgust. Well, if I were you, I'd tell him to sell, remarked the colonel coldly. The effect of your plunge has worn off, Brewster, and the other side will drive prices down. They won't be caught napping again, either," said one of the bystanders earnestly. Do you think so? And there was a note of relief in Monty's voice. From all sides came the advice to sell at once, but Brewster was not to be pushed. He calmly lighted a cigarette and with an assured air of wisdom told them to wait a little while and see. Already falling up, said one at the ticker. When Brewster's bewildered eyes raced over the figures, the stock was quoted at 112. His sigh of relief was heard, but misunderstood. He might be saved, after all. The stock had started to go down, and there seemed no reason why it should stop. As he intended to purchase no more, it was fair to assume that the backbone was at the breaking point. The crash was bound to come. He could hardly restrain a cry of joy. Even while he stood at the ticker, the little instrument began to tower of a further decline. As the price went down, his hopes went up. The bystanders were beginning to be disgusted. The fluke, after all, they said to each other. Colonel Drew was appealed to urge Monty to save himself, and he was on the point of remonstrance when the message came that the threatened strike was off and that the men were willing to arbitrate. Almost before one could draw breath, this startling news began to make itself felt. The certainty of a great strike was one of the things that had made Brewster sure that the price could not hold. With this danger removed, there was nothing to jeopardize the earning power of the stock. The next quotation was a point higher. You sly dog, said the Colonel, digging Monty in the side. I had confidence in you all the time. At this moment, time, lumber and fuel was up to 113 and souring. Brewster, panic-stricken, rushed to the telephone and called up Gardner. The broker, hoarse with excitement, was delighted when he recognized Brewster's voice. You're a wonder, Monty. I'll see you after the close. How the devil did you do it? shouted Gardner. What's the price now? Brewster, 113 and three-fourths and going up all the time. Hooray! Do you think she'll go down again? demanded Brewster. Not if I can help it. Very well then. Go and sell it, roared Brewster. But she's going up like sell, damn you. Didn't you hear? Gardner dazed and we began selling and finally liquidated the full line of prices ranging from 114 to 112 and a half. But Montgomery Brewster had cleared $58,550 and all because it was he and not the market that got excited. End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11 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 11. Coles of Fire. It was not that he had realized heavily in his investments which caused his friends and his enemies to regard him in a new light. His profit had been quite small as things go on the exchange in these days. The mere fact that he had shown such foresight proved sufficient cause for the reversal of opinion. Men looked at him with new interest in their eyes with fresh confidence. His unfortunate operations in the stock market had restored him to favor in all circles. The man, young or old, who could do what he had done with lumber and fuel well deserved the new promises that were being made for him. Brewster bobbed uncertainly between two emotions elation and distress. He had achieved two kinds of success the desired and the undesired. It was but natural that he should feel proud of the distinction the venture had brought to him on one hand, but there was reason for despair over the acquisition of $50,000. It made necessary for him to undertake an almost superhuman feat. Increase the number of his January bills. The plans for the ensuing spring and summer were dimly getting into shape and they covered many startling projects. Since confiding some of them to Nopper Harrison that gentleman had worn a never-decreasing look of worry and anxiety in his eyes. Rawls added to his despair a day or two after the stock exchange misfortune. He brought up the information that six splendid little puppies had come to bless his Boston Terrier family and Joe Bregdon, who was present enthusiastically predicted that he could get $100 a piece for them. Brewster loved dogs, yet for one single horrible moment he longed to massacre the helpless little creatures. But the old affection came back to him and he hurried out with Bregdon to inspect the brood. And I've either got to sell them or kill them, he groaned. Later on he instructed Bregdon to sell the pups for $25 a piece and went away ashamed to look their proud mother in the face. Fortune smiled on him before the day was over, however. He took Subway Smith for a ride in the Green Juggernaut. Bad weather and bad roads, notwithstanding. Monty lost control of the machine and headed for a Subway excavation. He and Smith saved themselves by leaping to the pavement, sustaining slight bruises, but the great machine crashed through the barricade and dropped to the bottom of the trench far below. To Smith's grief and Brewster's delight, the automobile was hopelessly ruined, a clear loss of many thousands. Monty's joy was short-lived, for it was soon learned that three luckless workmen down in the depths had been badly injured by the green meteor from above. The mere fact that Brewster could and did pay liberally for the relief of the poor fellows afforded him little consolation. His carelessness and possibly his indifference had brought suffering to these men and their families, which was not pleasant to look back upon. Law suits were avoided by compromisers. Each of the injured men received $4,000. At this time everyone was interested in the charity Bazaar at the Astoria. Society was on exhibition and the public paid for the privilege of gazing at the men and women whose names filled the society columns. Brewster frequented the booth presided over by Miss Drew and there seemed to be no end to his philanthropy. The Bazaar lasted two days and nights and after that period his account book showed an even profit of nearly $3,000. Monty's serenity, however, was considerably ruffled by the appearance of a new and aggressive climate for the smiles of the fair Barbara. He was a Californian of immense wealth and unbounded confidence in himself and letters to people in New York had given him a certain entree. The triumphs in love and finance that had come with his two-score years and ten had demolished every vestige of timidity that may have been born with him. He was successful enough in the world of finance to have become four or five times a millionaire and he had fared so well in love that twice he had been a widower. Rodney Grimes was starting out to win Barbara with the same dash and impulsiveness that overcame Mary Farrell, the cook in the mining camp, and Joan Boothroyd, the skill teacher who came to California ready to marry the first man who asked her. He was a penniless prospector when he married Mary and when he led Joan to the altar she rejoiced in having captured a husband worth at least $50,000. He died with Brewster in patronizing Barbara's Booth and he rushed into the conflict with an impetuosity that seemed destined to carry everything before it. Monty was brushed aside. Barbara was printed as if she were a mining claim and ten days after his arrival in New York, Grimes was the most talked-of man in town. Brewster was not the sort to be dispatched without a struggle, however. Recognizing Grimes as an obstacle but not as a rival, he once more domed his armor and beset Barbara with all the zest of a champion who seeks to protect and not to conquer. He regarded the Californian as an imposter and summary action was necessary. I know all about him, Babs. He said one day after he felt sure of his position why his father was honored by the VC on the coast in 49. The Victoria Cross asked Barbara innocently. No, the vigilance committee. In this way, Monty routed the enemy and cleared the field before the end of another week. Grimes transferred his objectionable affection and Barbara was not even asked to be wife number three. Brewster's campaign was so ardent that he neglected other duties deplorably, falling far behind his improvident average. With Grimes disposed of, he once more foresook the battlefield of love and gave his arrest and undivided attention to his own peculiar business. The fast and loose game displeased Miss Barbara greatly. She was at first surprised, then picked, then resentful. Monty gradually awoke to the distressing fact that she was going to be intractable as he put it and forthwith undertook to smooth the troubled scene. To his amazement and concern she was not to be appeased. Does it occur to you, Monty? She said with a gentle coldness that was infinitely worse than heat that you had been carrying things with a pretty high hand. Where did you acquire the right to interfere with my privileges? You seem to think that I am not to speak to any man but you. Oh, come now, Babs, retorted Monty. I've not been quite as unreasonable as that. As you know yourself, that Grimes is the worst kind of a bounder. I know nothing of the sort, replied the lady, with growing irritation. You say that about every man who gives me a smile or a flower doesn't indicate such atrocious taste. Don't be silly, Barbara. You know perfectly well that you have talked to Gardner and that idiot Valentine by the hour. And I've not said a word, but there are some things I can't stand and the impertinence of Grimes is one of them. Joe, he looked at you out of those fishy eyes sometimes as though he owned you, if you knew how many times I fairly ate to knock him down. Inwardly Barbara was weakening a little before his masterfulness, but she gave no sign. And it never occurred to you, she said, with that exasperating coldness of the voice that I was equal to the situation. I suppose you thought Mr Grimes had only beckoned and I would joyfully answer. I'll have you know, Monty Barista, right now, that I am quite able to choose my friends and to handle them. Mr Grimes has character and I like him. He has seen more of life in a year of his strenuous career than you ever dreamed of in all your pampered existence. His life has been real, Monty Barista, and yours is only an imitation. It struck him hard, but it left him gentle. Babs, he said softly, I can't take that from you. You don't really mean it, do you? Am I as bad as that? It was a moment for dominance and he missed it. His gentleness left her cold. Monty, she exclaimed irritably, you are terribly exasperating. Do make up your mind that you and your million are not the only things in the world. His blood was up now, but it flung him away from her. Someday, perhaps, you'll find out that there is not much besides. I am just a little too big for one thing that I've made with and thrown aside. I won't stand it. He left the house with his head high in the air, angry red in his cheeks, and a feeling in his heart that she was the most unreasonable of women. Barbara, in the meantime, cried herself to sleep, vowing she would never love Monty Barista again as long as she lived. A sharp-cutting wind was blowing in Monty's face as he left the house. He was thoroughly retched. Throw up your hands came hoarsely from somewhere, and there was no tenderness in the tones. For an instant Monty was dazed and bewildered, but in the next he saw two shadowy figures walking beside him. Stop where you are, young fellow. Was the next command, and he stopped short. He was in a mood to fight, but the sight of a revolver made him think again. Monty was not a coward. Neither was he a fool. He was quick to see that a struggle would be madness. What do you want? He demanded as coolly as his nerves would permit. Put up your hands quick, and he hastily obeyed the injunction. Not a sound out of you or you get it good and proper. You know what we want. Take to work Bill. I'll watch his hands. Help yourself boys. I'm not full enough to scrap about it. Don't hit me or shoot me. That's all. Be quick about it, because I'll take cold if my overcoat is open long. How's business been tonight? Brista was to all intents and purposes the calmest man in New York. You're the first guy we've seen in a week that looks good. I hope you won't be disappointed, said Monty, genuinely. If I'd expected this I might have brought more money. I guess we'll be satisfied, chuckled the man with the revolver. You're an awful nice and kind mister. And maybe you wouldn't object to telling us when you'll be up this way again. It's a pleasure to do business with your partner, said the other, dropping Monty's $300 watch in his pocket. We'll leave care there for you, for your honesty. His hands were running through Brista's pockets with the quickness of a machine. You don't go much on jewellery, I guess. Are these short buttons the real tin? They're pearls, said Monty cheerfully. My favourite jewel, said the man with the revolver. Clip them out, Bill. Don't cut the shirt, urge Monty. I'm going to a little supper and I don't like the idea of a punctured shirt front. I'll be as careful as I can, mister. There, I guess that's all. Shall I call the cab for you, sir? No, thank you. I think I'll walk. Well, just walk south and you can save your skin. I guess you know what I mean, partner. I'm sure I do. Good night. Good night came in chuckles from the two whole-rump men, but Brista hesitated, a sharp thought penetrating his mind. By God, he exclaimed, you chaps are very careless. Do you know you've missed a roll of $300 in this overcoat pocket? The men gasped and the spasmoddy ghosts that came from them were born old in credulity. It was plain that they doubted their ears. Say it again, muttered Bill, in bewildered tones. He stringed us, Bill, said the other. Sure, growl, Bill. It's a nice way to treat us, mister. Move along now and don't turn round. Well, you're a couple of nice people. Shhh, not so loud. That is no way to attend to business. Do you expect me to go down in my pocket and hand you the goods on a silver tray? Keep your hands up. You don't work that game on me. You got a gun there. No, I haven't. This is on the level. You overlooked a roll of bills in your haste and I'm not the sort of fellow ever. Get the worst of it. My hands are up. See for yourself if I'm not telling you the truth. What kind of game is this? Growl, Bill. Dazed and bewildered. I'm bloated if I know what to think of you. Cried he, in honest amazement. You don't act drunk and you ain't crazy. But there's something wrong with you. Are you given it to us straight out? You can find out easily. Well, I hate to do it boss, but I guess we'll just take the overcoat and all. It looks like a trick and we take no chances. Up with the coat. Monty's coat came off in a jiffy and he stood shivering before the dumb founded robbers. We'll leave the coat at the next corner partner. It's cold and you need it more than we do. You're the limit, you are. So long. Walk right straight ahead and don't yell. Brewster found his coat a few minutes later and went whistling away into the night. The roll of bills was gone. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 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 12 Christmas Despair Brewster made a good story at the hold up at the club that he did not relate all the details. One of the listeners was a new public commissioner who was aggressive in his efforts at reform. Accordingly Brewster was summoned to headquarters the next morning for the purpose of looking over the suspects that had been brought in. Almost the first man that he aspired was a rough looking fellow whose identity could not be mistaken. It was Bill. Hello, Bill. Call me Galey. Bill ground his teeth for a second, but his eyes had such an appeal in them that Monty relented. You know this fellow, Mr Brewster? Demanded the captain quickly. Bill looked utterly helpless. No, Bill. Question Monty in surprise. Of course I do, Captain. He was picked up last night and detained because there was no account of his actions. Was it as bad as that, Bill? Asked Brewster with a smile. Bill mumbled something and assumed a look of defiance. Monty's attitude puzzled him sorely. He hardly breathed for an instant and got perceptibly. Passed Bill, Captain. He was with me last night just before my money was taken. And he couldn't possibly have robbed me without my knowledge. Wait for me outside, Bill. I want to talk to you. I'm quite sure neither of the thieves is here, Captain, concluded Brewster after Bill had obeyed the order to step out at the line. Outside the door the puzzled crook met Brewster, who shook him warmly by the hand. You're at Peach, whispered Bill to me. What did you do it for, Mr? Because you were kind enough not to cut my shirt. Say, you're all right. That's what. Would you mind having a drink with me? It's your money, but the drink won't be any of the worse for that. We'd bled most of it already. But here's what slipped. Bill handed Monty a roll of bills. I'd have kept it but it ain't square to keep it now. Brewster refused the money that took back his watch. Keep it all, Bill, he said. You need it more than I do. It's enough to set you up in some other trade. Why not try it? I will try, Boss. And Bill was so profuse in his thinks that Monty had difficulty in getting away. As he climbed into a cab I will try, Boss, and say, if ever I can do anything for you just put me next. I'm next, you all the time. He gave the driver the name of his club but as he was passing the ward off he remembered that he had several things to say to Mrs. Dan. The order was changed and a few moments later he was received in Mrs. Dan's very special den. She wore something soft and graceful in lavender something that was light and wavy and ever-vescent and made you watch its changing shadows. Monty looked down at her with the feeling that she made a very effective picture. You are looking pretty fit this morning, my lady. He said, by way of preamble how well everything plays up and you are unusually courtly, Monty. She smiled. Has the world treated you so generously of late? It is treating me generously enough just now to make up for anything and he looked at her. Do you know, Mrs. Dan, that it is born in upon me now and then that there are things that are quite worthwhile? Oh, if you come to that she answered lightly. Everything is worthwhile. For you, Monty, life is certainly not slow. You can dominate. You can make things go your way. Aren't they going your way now, Monty? This more seriously. What's wrong? Is the pace too fast? His mood increased upon him with a sympathy. Oh, no, he said. It isn't that. You are good and I am a selfish beast. Things are perverse and people are desperately obstinate sometimes. And here I am talking it out on you. You are not perverse. You are not obstinate. You are a ripper, Mrs. Dan, and you are going to help me out in more ways than one. Well, to pay for all these gallantries, Monty, I ought to do much. I'm your friend through thick and thin. You have only to command me. It was precisely to get your help that I came in. I'm tired of those confounded dinners. You know yourself that they are all alike, the same people, the same flowers, the same things to eat, and the same inane throttle in the shape of talk. Who cares about them anyway? Well, I like that, but I don't want to interrupt it. After all the thought I put into those dinners, after all the variety I so carefully secured, my dear boy, you are frightfully ungrateful. Oh, you know what I mean and you know quite as well as I do that it is perfectly true that dinners were a beastly bore which proves that they were allowed success. Your work was not done but now I want something else. We must push along the ball we've been talking of and the gotten cruise that can't wait very much longer. The ball first she decreed. I'll see to the cards at once and in a day or two I'll have a list ready for your gracious approval. And what have you done? Pentagal has some great ideas for doing oversharees. This person is in communication with the manager of the Hungarian orchestra you spoke of and he finds the men quite ready for a little jaunt across the water. We have a military band I've forgotten the number of its regiment for the promenade music and the new Paris sensation the control phone is coming over with their primal tenor for the some special numbers. I've come out for an executive Monty said Mrs. Dan but with the music and the decorations arranged you've only begun the favours are the real thing and if you say the word we'll surprise them a little don't worry about it Monty it's a go already we'll pull it off together you are a thoroughbred Mrs. Dan he exclaimed you do help a fellow at a pinch that's alright Monty she answered give me until after Christmas and I'll have the finest favours ever seen other people may have their paper hats and pink ribbons but you can show them how the thing ought to be done her reference to Christmas haunted Brista as he drove down Fifth Avenue with the dread of a new disaster never before had he looked upon presence of calamity but this year it was different immediately he began to plan a bombardment of his friends with costly trinkets when he grew suddenly doubtful of the opinion of his uncle's executor upon this move but in response to a telegram Swaraj and Jones with pleasing irresistibility informed in that anyone with a drop of human kindness blood would consider it his duty to give Christmas presents to those who deserve them Monty's way was now clear if his friends meant to hand a cap him with gifts he knew a way to get even for two weeks his mornings were spent at Tiffany's and the afternoons brought joy to the heart of every dealer in antiquities in fourth and fifth avenues he gave much thought to the matter in the effort to secure many small articles which elaborately concealed their value and he had taste the result of his endeavour was that many friends who would not have thought of remembering Monty with even a card were pleasantly surprised on Christmas Eve as it turned out he feared very well in the matter of gifts and for some days much of his time was spent in reading notes of profuse thanks which were yet vaguely apologetic the Grays and Mrs Dan had remembered him with an agreeable lack of ostentation and some of the little sons of the rich who had kept one evening a fortnight open for the purpose of using up their meal tickets at Monty's generously grateful Miss Drew had forgotten him and when they met after the holiday her recognition was of the coldest he had thought that under the circumstances he could send her a gift of value but the beautiful pearls with which he asked for a reconciliation were returned with Miss Drew's thanks he loved Barbara sincerely and it cut Peggy Gray was taken into his confidence and he was comforted by her encouragement and was a bit difficult for her to advise him to try again but his happiness was the thing she had at heart it's a beastly affair Peggy he said I've really been white to her I believe I'll chuck the whole business and leave New York you're going away and there was just a suggestion of a catch in her breath I'm going to charter a yacht and sail away from this place for three or four months Peggy fairly gasped what do you think of the scheme he added noticing the alarm and incredulity in her eyes I think you'll end up in the poor house Montgomery Brewster she said with a laugh End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 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 13 a friend in need it was while Brewster was in the depths of despair that his financial affairs had a win for one of the banks in which his money was deposited failed and his balance of over $100,000 was wiped out mismanagement was the cause and the collapse came on Friday the 13th day of the month needless to say it destroyed every vestige of the superstition he may have had regarding Friday and the number 13 Brewster had money deposited in five banks a transaction inspired by the wild hope that one of them might someday suspend operations and thereby prove a legitimate benefit to him there seemed no prospect that the bank could resume operations and if the depositors in the end realised $0.20 on the dollar they would be fortunate notwithstanding the fact that everybody had considered the institution substantial there were not a few wise acres who called Brewster a fool and were so unreasonable as to say that he did not know how to handle money he heard that Miss Drew in particular was bitterly enthusiastic in referring to his stupidity this failure caused a tremendous flurry in banking circles it was but natural that questions concerning the stability of other banks should be asked and it was not long before many wild disquieting reports were afloat anxious depositors rushed into the big banking institutions and then rushed out again partially assured that there was no danger the newspapers sought to allay the fears of the people but there were many to whom fear became panic there were short wild runs on some of the smaller banks but all were in a fair way to restore confidence when out came the rumour that the bank of Manhattan Island was in trouble the real printers through Railroad Magna was the president of this bank when the bank opened for business on the Tuesday following the failure there was a stampede of frightened depositors before 11 o'clock the run had assumed ugly proportions and no amount of argument could stay beyond thought Colonel Drew and the directors at first mildly distressed and then seeing that the affair had become serious grew more alarm than they could afford to let the public see the loans of all the banks were unusually large incipient runs on some had put all of them in an attitude of caution and there was a natural reluctance to expose their own interests to jeopardy by coming to the relief of the bank of Manhattan Island Monty Brewster had something like $200,000 in Colonel Drew's bank he could not have regretted on his own account the collapse of this institution but he realised what it meant to the hundreds of other depositors and for the first time he appreciated what his money could accomplish thinking that his presence might give confidence to the depositors and stop the run he went over to the bank with Harrison and Bregdon the tellers were handing out thousands of dollars to the eager depositors his friends advised him strongly to withdraw before it was too late but Monty was abdurent they set it down to his desire to help Barbara's father and admired his nerve I understand Monty said Bregdon and both he and Harrison went among the people carelessly asking one another if Brewster had come to withdraw his money no, he has over $200,000 and he's going to leave it the other would say each excited group was visited in turn by the two men but their assurance seemed to accomplish but little women were there to save their fortunes the situation was desperate Colonel Brew outwardly calm and serene but inwardly perturbed finally saw Brewster and his companions he sent a messenger over with the request that Monty come to the president's private office at once he wants to help you to save your money cried Bregdon in low tones that shows it's all up get out every dollar of it Monty and don't waste a minute it's a smash as sure as fate urged Harrison a feverish expression in his eyes Brewster was admitted to the Colonel's private office through was alone and was pacing the floor like a caged animal sit down Brewster and don't mind if I seem nervous of course we can hold out but it is terrible, terrible they think we are trying to rob them they're mad, utterly mad I never saw anything like it Colonel are you sure you can meet all the demands asked Brewster thoroughly excited the Colonel's face was white and he chewed his cigar nervously we can hold out unless some of our heaviest depositors get the fever down upon us I appreciate your feelings in an affair of this kind coming so swiftly upon the heels of the other but I want to give you my personal assurance that the money you have here is so I called you in to impress you with the security of the bank you ought to know the truth however and I will tell you in confidence that another check like Austen's that I paid a few minutes ago would cause a serious though temporary embarrassment I came to assure you that I have not thought of withdrawing my deposits from this bank Colonel you need have no uneasiness the door opened suddenly and one of the officials of the bank bolted inside his face is white as death he started to speak before he saw Brewster and then closed his lips despairingly what is it Mr Moore asked through as calmly as possible don't mind Mr Brewster Ogle thought wants to draw two hundred and fifty thousand dollars said Moore in strange tones well he can have it can't he ask the Colonel quietly more looked helplessly at the president of the bank and he silently spoke more plainly than words Brewster it looks bad said the Colonel turning abruptly to the young man the other banks are afraid of a run and we can't count on much help from them some of them have helped us and others have refused now I not only ask you to refrain from drawing out your deposit but I want you to help us in this crucial moment the Colonel look twenty years older his voice shook perceptibly Brewster's pity went out to him in a flash what can I do Colonel grew he cried I'll not take my money out but I don't know how I can be a further assistance to you command me sir you can restore absolute confidence Monty my dear boy by increasing your deposits in our bank said the Colonel as if dreading the fate of the suggestion you mean sir that I can save the bank by drawing my money from other banks and putting it here ask Monty slowly he was thinking harder and faster than he had ever thought in his life could he afford to risk the loss of his entire fortune on the fate of this bank what would Swaridon Jones say he deposited a vast amount of money in a tottering institution like the bank of Manhattan Island it would be the maddest folly on his part if the bank went down there could be no mitigating circumstances in the eyes of either Jones or the world if he swamped all of his money in this crisis I beg of you Monty help us the Colonel's pride was gone it means disgrace if we closed our doors even for an hour it means the stain that only years can remove you can restore confidence by a dozen strokes of your pen and you can save us he was Barbara's father the proud old man was before him as a suppliant no longer the cold man of the world for these quarrel with Barbara and of her heartlessness a scratch of the pen one way or the other could change the life of Barbara Drew the two bankers stood by scarcely breathing from the outside came the shuffle of many feet and the muffled roll of voices again the door to the private office opened and a clerk excitedly motioned for Mr Moore to the front of the bank Moore paused irresolutely his eyes on Brewster's face the young man knew the time had come when he must help or deny them like a flash the situation was made clear to him and his duty was plain he remembered that the bank of Manhattan Island held every dollar that Mrs Gray and Peggy possessed their meager fortune had been entrusted to the care apprentice Drew and his associates and it was in danger I will do all I can Colonel said Monty but upon one condition that is Barbara must never know of this the Colonel's gasp of astonishment was cut short as Monty continued promise that she shall never know I don't understand if it is your wish I promise inside of half an hour's time several hundred thousand came to the relief of the struggling bank and the man who had come to watch the run with curious eyes turned out to be its Sabre his money won the day for the bank of Manhattan Island when the happy president and directors offered to pay him an astonishingly gift of interest for the use of the money he proudly declined the next day Mr Drew issued invitations for a Cotalon Mr Montgomery Brewster was not asked to attend end of chapter 13 chapter 14 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 14 Mrs DeMille Entertains Mr Drew's Cotalon was not graced by the presence of Montgomery Brewster it is true he received an 11th hour invitation and a very cold and difficult little note of apology but he maintained heroically the air of disdain that had succeeded the first sharp pangs of disappointment Colonel Drew in whose good graces Monti had firmly established himself was not quite guiltless of unsurping the role of dictator in the effort to patch up a truce a few nights before the Cotalon when Barbara told him that Herbert Eiling was to lead he exclusively expressed surprise why not Monti Brewster Babs he demanded Mr Brewster is not coming she responded calmly going to be out of town I'm sure I do not know stiffly what's this he has not been asked father Mr Drew was not in good humour not asked said the Colonel in amazement it's ridiculous Babs send him an invitation at once this is my dance father and I don't want to ask Mr Brewster the Colonel sank back in his chair and struggled to overcome his anger he knew that Barbara had inherited his wilfulness and had long since discovered he was to retreat her with tact I thought you and he were but the Colonel's supply of tact was exhausted we were in a moment of absent-mindness but it's all over said Barbara why child there wouldn't have been a Cotalon if it hadn't been thought but the Colonel remembered his promise to Monti and checked himself just in time I mean there will not be any party if Montgomery Brewster is not asked that is all I care to say on the subject and he stamped out of the room Barbara went copiously after her father had gone but she realised that his will was law and that Monti must be invited I will send an invitation she said to herself but if Mr Brewster comes after he has read it I shall be surprised Montgomery however did not receive the note in the spirit in which it had been sent he only saw it in a ray of hope that Barbara was relenting and was jubilant at the prospect of a reconciliation the next Sunday he sought an interview with Miss Drew but she received him with icy reserve if he had thought to punish her by staying away it was evident that she felt equally responsible for a great deal of misery on his part both had been more or less unhappy and both were resentfully obstinate Brewster felt hurt and insulted while she felt that he had imposed upon her disgracefully he was now ready to cry quits and it surprised him to find her a durant if he had expected to dictate the terms of peace he was woefully disappointed when she treated his advances with cool contempt Barbara you know I care very much for you he was pleading fairly on the road to submission I am sure you are not quite indifferent to me this foolish misunderstanding must really be as disagreeable to you as it is to me indeed she replied lifting her brows disdainfully you are assuming a good deal Mr Brewster I am merely recalling the fact that you once told me you cared you could not promise anything I know but it meant much that you cared a little difference could not have changed your feeling completely when you are ready to treat me with respect I may listen to your petition she said my petition he did not like the word and his tack quite deserted him it's as much as yours as mine don't throw the burden of responsibility on me Mr Brewster have I suggested going back to the old relations you will pardon me if I remind the fact that you came today on your own initiative and certainly without my solicitation now look here Barbara he began dimly realizing that it was going to be hard very hard to reason I am very sorry Mr Brewster that you will have to excuse me I am going out I regret exceedingly that I should have disturbed you today he said swallowing his pride perhaps I may have the pleasure of seeing you again as he was leaving the house deep anger in his soul he encountered the colonel there was something about Monty's greeting cordial as it was that gave the old man a hint as to the situation won't you stop for dinner Monty he asked his suspicion was groundless thank you colonel not tonight and he was off before the colonel could hold him Barbara was tearfully angry when her father came into the room but as he began to remain straight with her the tears disappeared and left her at white heat frankly father you don't understand matters she said with slow emphasis I wish you to know now that if Montgomery Brewster calls again I shall not see him if that is your point of view Barbara I wish you to know mine the colonel rose and stood over her everything forgotten but the rage that went so deep that it left the surface calm throwing aside his promise to Brewster he told Barbara with dramatic simplicity the story of the rescue of the bank you see he added if it had not been for that open-hearted boy we would now be ruined instead of giving Kotlin's you might be giving music lessons Montgomery Brewster will always be welcome in this house and you will see that my wishes are respected do you understand perfectly Barbara answered in a still voice as your friend I shall try and I will to him the colonel was not satisfied with so cold-blooded and acquiescence but he wisely retired from the field he left the girl silent and crushed but with a gleam in her eyes that was not altogether to be concealed the story had touched her more deeply than she would willingly confess it was something to know that Monty Brewster could do a thing like that and would do it for her the exultant smile which it brought to her lips could only be made to disappear by reminding herself sharply of his recent arrogance her anger, she found was a plant which needed careful cultivation it was in somewhat chase and mood that she started a few days later for a dinner at the Demils as she entered in her golden gown the sight of Monty Brewster at the other end of the room gave her a plutter at the heart but it was an agitation that was very carefully concealed Brewster was certainly unconscious of it to him the position of guest was like a disguise and he was pleased at the prospect of letting himself go under the mask without responsibility but it took on a different colour when the butler handed him a card which signified that he was to take me through into dinner hastily seeking out the hostess he endeavored to convey to her the impossibility of the situation I hope you won't misunderstand me he said but it is too late to change my place at the table it isn't conventional I know Monty the society's chief aim is to separate engaged couples at dinner said Mrs Dan with a laugh it would be positively comprising if a man and his wife sat together dinner was announced before Monty could utter another word and as she led him over to Barbara she said behold a generous hostess who gives up the best man in the crowd so that he and someone else would be time I leave it to you Barbara if that isn't the test of friendship for a moment the two riveted their eyes on the floor then the humour of the situation came to Monty I did not know that we were supposed to do gips and tablo tonight he said dryly as he proffered his arm I don't understand and Barbara's curiosity overcame her determination not to speak don't you remember the picture of the man who was called upon to take his late fiance out to dinner the awful silence with which this remark was received put an end to further efforts at humour the dinner was probably the most painful experience in their lives Barbara had come to it softened and ready to meet him half way the right kind Monty would have found her plastic but she had very definite and rigid ideas of his duty in the premises and Monty was too simple minded to seem to suffer and much too flippant to understand it was plain to each that the other did not expect to talk but they both realised that they owed a duty to appearances and to their hostess through two courses at least there was dead silence between them it seemed as though every eye in the room were on them and every mind were speculating at last in sheer desperation Barbara turned to him with the first smile he had seen on her face in days there was no smile in her eyes however and Monty understood we might at least give out the impression that we are friends she said quietly more easily said than done he responded gloomily they are all looking at us and wondering I don't blame them we owe something to Mrs Dan I think I know Barbara uttered some inanity whenever she caught anyone looking in their direction but proves to seem not to hear at length he cut short a mark at hers about the weather what nonsense this is Barbara he said with anyone else I would chuck the whole game but with you it is different I don't know what I have done but I am sorry I hope you'll forgive me your assurance is amusing to say the least but I am sure I know this quarrel is something we'll laugh over you keep forgetting to be married some day a new light came into Barbara's eyes you forget that my consent may be necessary she said you will be perfectly willing when the time comes I am still in the fight and eventually you will come to my way of thinking oh I see it now said Barbara and her blood was up you mean to force me to it Brewster glowed at her thinking that he had misunderstood what do you mean he said he has told me all about that wretched bank business but poor father thought you quite disinterested he did not see the little game behind your melodrama he would have torn up your check on the incident if he had suspected you were trying to buy his daughter does your father believe that you will not ask Brewster no but I see it all now his persistence and yours you were not slow to grasp the opportunity offered stop mistrue Monty commanded his voice had changed and she had never before seen that look in his eyes you need have no fear that I will trouble you again end of chapter 14 chapter 15 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 15 the cut direct a typographical error in one of the papers caused no end of amusement to everyone except Monty and mistrue the headlines had announced magnificent ball to be given mistrue by her finance and the little sons of the rich wondered why Monty did not see the humour of it he has too bad an attack to see anything but the lady said Harrison one evening the old time supper party it's always the way commented the philosophical breakdown when you lose your heart your sense of humour goes too engage couples couldn't do such ridiculous stunts if they had the least particle of it left well if Monty Brewster is still in love with mistrue he takes a mighty poor way of showing it Subway Smith's remark fell the thought had come to everyone but no one had given the courage to utter it for them Brewster's silence on the subject since the demilled dinner seemed to have something ominous behind it it's probably only a lover's quarrel said Brabden but further comment was cut short by the entrance of Monty himself and they took their places at the table the evening came to an end they were in possession of many astonishing details in connection with the coming born Monty did not say that it was to be given for mistrue and her name was conspicuously absent from his descriptions as he unfolded his plans even the little sons who were imaginative by instinct and reckless on principle could not be quite inquisitive Nopper Harrison solemnly expressed the opinion that the boy would cost Brewster at least a hundred and twenty five hundred thousand dollars the little sons looked at one another in consternation while Brewster's indifference expressed itself in an unflattering comment about his friends vulgarity good lord Nopper he added you would speculate about the price of gloves for your wedding Harrison resented the taunt it would be much less vulgar to do that Monty saving your presence than to force your millions down every one's throat well they swallowed them I've noticed retorted Brewster as though they were chocolates Pentegal interrupted grand eloquently my friends and gentlemen which is which Van Winkle casually but the artist was in the saddle permit me to present to you the boy crisis the only one extent his marbles are planks and his kites are made of fifty dollar notes he feeds upon coupons and his champagne is liquid golden eagles look at him gentlemen while you can and watching while he spends for flowers with the Viennese orchestra for twenty nine thousand added Braggden and yet they maintain that silence is golden and three singers to divide twelve thousand among themselves that's absolutely criminal cried Van Winkle over in Germany they'd sing a month for half that amount six hundred guests to feed forty thousand dollars grown not for dolefully and there aren't six hundred in town lamented Subway Smith all that glory wasted on two hundred rank outsiders you men are borrowing a lot of trouble you're Brewster with a gallant effort to see board all I ask of you is to come to the party and put up a good imitation of having the time of your life between you and me I'd rather be caught at Hewler's drinking ice cream soda than giving this thing but that's what we want to know but what and Subway leaned forward eagerly but continued multi I'm in for it now and it is going to be a ball that is a ball nevertheless the optimistic Brewster could not find the courage to tell Peggy at these picturesque extravagances to satisfy her curiosity he blatantly informed her that he was getting off much more cheaply than he had expected he laughingly denounced as untrue the stories that had come to her from outside sources and before he's convincing assertions that reports were ridiculously exaggerated the trouble expression in the girl's eyes disappeared I must seem a thrill as he left the house after one of these explanatory trials but what will she think of me toward the end of the year when I am really in harness he found it hard to control the desire to be straight with Peggy and tell her the story of his mad race in pursuit of poverty preparations for the ball and in a dull winter it had its colour valued for society it was to bear Spanish costume ball and at many tea tables the talk of it was a godsend so pastic as it frequently was on the question of Monty's extravagance there was a splendour about the Aladdin-like entertainment which had a charm beneath the outward disapproval there was a secret admiration of the superb nerve of the man and there was little reluctance to help him in the wild career he had chosen it was so easy to go with him to the edge of the precipice and let him take the plunge alone only the echo of the criticism reached Brewster for he had silenced Harrison with work and Pentegal with opportunities it troubled him little as he was engaged in jotting down items that swelled the profit side of his ledger account enormously the ball was bound to give him a good lead in the race once more despite the heavy handicap the stock exchange had imposed the little sons took off their coats and helped Pentegal in the work of preparation and superfluous for their ideas never agreed and each man had a way of preferring his own suggestion to Brewster's chargrin they were united in the effort to curb his extravagance he'll be giving automobiles and ropes of pearls for favours if we don't stop him said Subway Smith after Monty had ordered a vintage champagne to be served on a higher evening give them two glasses first if you like and then they won't mind if they have cider the rest of the night Monty is playing dotty Chyne Bregdon and the pace is beginning to tell on him as a matter of fact the pace was beginning to tell on Brewster work and worry were plainly having an effect on his health his colour was bad and there was a listlessness in his actions that even determined effort could not conceal from his friends little fits of fever annoyed him occasionally and he admitted that he did not feel quite right something is wrong somewhere he said and my whole system seemed ready to stop work through sympathy suddenly there was a mighty check preparations two days before the date set for the ball everything came to a standstill and the managers sank back in perplexity and consternation Monty Brewster was critically ill appendicitis the doctors called it and an operation was imperative thank heaven it's fashionable laugh Monty who showed no fear of the prospect how ridiculous if it had been the months or if the newspaper had said on account of the hooping cop Mr Brewster did not attend his ball you don't mean to say the ball is off of course and Harrison was really alarmed not a bit of it Nopper said Monty it's what I've been wanting all along you chaps do the handshaking and I stay at home the immediate council of war when this piece of news was announced and the little sons were unanimous in favour of recalling the invitations and declaring the party off at first Monty was a durant but when someone suggested that he could give the ball later on after he was well he relented the opportunity to double the costs by giving two parties was not to be ignored call it off then but say it is only postponed a great rushing to and fro resulted in the cancelling of contracts the recalling of invitations the settling of accounts with the most loyal effort to save as much as possible from the wreckage Harrison and his associates almost frantic with fear for Brewster's life and the wonders in the few hours of grace Gardner with rare foresight saw that the B&E orchestra would prove a dead loss he suggested the possibility of a concept tour through the country covering several weeks and Monty too ill to care one way or the other authorised him to carry out the plan if it seemed feasible to Monty fearless and less disturbed than any other member of his circle appendicitis seemed as inevitable as vaccination the appendix is becoming an important feature in the book of life he told Peggy Gray he refused to go to a hospital but pathetically begged to be taken to his old rooms at Mrs. Gray's with all the unhappy loneliness of a sick boy with the care and companionship of those he seemed a part of his own Dr. Lutlis had then transformed a small bedchamber into a model operating room and Monty took no small satisfaction in the thought that if he was to be denied the privilege of spending money for several weeks he would at least make his illness as expensive as possible a consultation of eminent surgeons was called the true to his colours Bruce to install Dr. Lutlis a little son as his house surgeon Monty grimly bore the pain and suffering and submitted to the operation which alone could save his life then came the struggle then the promise of victory and then the quiet days of convalescence he had dreamed his boyish dreams and suffered his boyish sorrows he struggled against death and gradually emerged from the mists of lassitude he found it harder than he had thought to come back to life the burden of all seemed heavy the trained nurse found that some more powerful stimulant than the medicine was needed to awaken his ambition and they discovered it at last in Peggy child he said to her the first time she was permitted to see him and his eyes had lights in them do you know this isn't such a bad old world after all sometimes as I've lain here it has looked twisted and queer but there are things that straighten it out today I feel as though I had a place in it as though I could fight things what do you think Peggy do you suppose there is something that I could do you know what I mean something that someone else would not do a thousand times better but Peggy to whom this chase and mood in Monty was infinitely pathetic would not let him talk she soothed him and cheered him and touched his hair with her cool hands and then she left him and brood and dream it was many days before his turbulent mind drifted to the subject of money but suddenly he found himself hoping that the surgeons would be generous with their charges he almost suffered a relapse when lawless visibly distressed informed him that the total amount would reach $3,000 and what is the additional charge for the operation asked Monty unwilling to accept such unwarranted favors it's included in the $3,000 said lawless they knew you were my friend and it was professional etiquette to help keep down expenses for days Brewster remained at Mrs Grey's happy in its restfulness serene under the charm of Peggy's presence and satisfied to be hopelessly behind in his daily expense account the interest shown by the inquiries at the house and the anxiety of his friends were soothing to the profligate it gave him back a little of his lost self-respect the doctors finally decided that he would best recuperate in Florida and advised a month at least in the warmth he leaped at the proposition he took the law into his own hands by ordering general manager Harrison to rent a place and insisting that he needed the companionship of Peggy and Mrs Grey how soon can I get back to work doctor demanded Monty the day before the special train was to carry himself he was beginning to see the dark side of this enforced idleness his blood again was tingling with the desire to be back in the harness of a spin thrift to work laughed the physician and what is your occupation pray making other people rich responded barista sobly well aren't you satisfied with what you have done for me if you are as charitable as that you must be still pretty sick be careful and you may be on your feet again in five or six weeks Harrison came in as lossless left Peggy smiled at him from the window she had been reading a loud from a novel so garrulous that it fairly cried a loud for interruptions now Nopper what became of the ball I was going to give demanded Monty a troubled look in his eyes why we called it off with Nopper in surprise don't you remember Monty asked Peggy looking up quickly and wondering if his mind had gone trailing off I know we didn't give it of course but what date did you hit upon we didn't postpone it at all said Nopper how could we we didn't know whether I mean it wouldn't have been quite right to do that sort of thing well what has become of the orchestra and the flowers and all that the orchestra is gallivanting around the country quarreling with itself and everybody else and driving poor Gardner to the insane asylum the flowers have lost their bloom long ago well we'll get together Nopper and try to have the ball at mid-lit I think I'll be well by that time Peggy looked appealingly at Harrison for guidance but to him silence seemed the better part of Valar and he went off wondering if the illness had completely carried away Monty's reason End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 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 16 in the sunny south it was the cottage of the New York millionaire which had fallen to Brewster the owner had for the time preferred Italy to St Augustine and left his estate which was well located and lavishly equipped in the hands of his friends Brewster's lease covered three months at a fabulous rate per month with Joe Bregdon installed as manager-in-chief his establishment was transferred bodily from New York and the rooms were soon as comfortable as their grandeur would permit Brewster was not allowed to take advantage of his horses and the new automobile which preceded him from New York but to his guests they offered unlimited opportunities Nopper Harrison had remained in the north to renew arrangements for the now hated ball and to look after the advanced details of the yacht crews Dr. Lottles and his sister with Subway Smith and the Grays made up Brewster's party Lottles dampened Monty's spirits by relentlessly putting him on rigid diet with most discouraging restrictions upon his conduct the period of convalescent was to be an exceedingly trying one for the invalid at first he was kept indoors and the hours were wild away by playing cards but Monty considered bridge the ponds as an orum and preferred to play piquette with Peggy it was one of these games that the girl interrupted with the question that had troubled her for many days Monty she said and she found it much more difficult than when she had rehearsed the scene in the silence of her walks I've heard a rumour that Ms. Drew and her mother have taken rooms at the hotel wouldn't it be pleasanter to have them here a heavy gloom settled upon Brewster's face and the girl's heart dropped like lead she had puzzled over the entrenchment and wondered if by any effort of her own things could be set right at times she had had flashing hopes that it did not mean much to Monty as she had thought but down underneath the fear that he was unhappy seemed the only certain thing in life she felt that she must make sure and together with the very human desire to know the worst was the puritanical impulse to bring it about you forget that this is the last place they would care to invade and in Brewster's face Peggy seemed to read that for her martyrdom was the only where bravely she put it on Monty, I forget nothing that I really know but this is a case in which you are quite wrong where is your sporting blood you have never thought a losing fight before and you can't do it now you have lost your nerve Monty don't you see that this is the time for an aggressive campaign somehow she was not saying things at all as she had planned to say them and his gloom weighed heavily upon her you don't mind do you Monty she added more softly this sort of thing from me I know I ought not to interfere but I've known you so long and I hope to see things twisted by a little mistake but Monty did mind enormously he had no desire to talk about the thing anyway and Peggy's anxiety to marry him off seemed a bit unnecessary manifestly her own interest in him was of the coldest from out of the gloom he looked at her somewhat sullenly for the moment she was thinking only of his pain and her face said nothing Peggy he exclaimed finally resenting the necessity of answering her you don't in the least know what you are talking about it is not a fit of anger on Barbara Drew's part it is a serious conviction a conviction which can be changed the girl broke in not at all Brewster took it up she has no faith in me she thinks I am an ass perhaps she's right she exclaimed a little hot perhaps you have never discovered the girls say many things to hide their emotions perhaps you don't realise what feverish exclamatory foolish things girls are they don't know how to be honest with the men they love and they wouldn't if they did you are little short Brewster if you believed the things she said rather than the things she looked and Peggy firing and determined and defiantly unhappy threw down her cards and escaped so that she might not prove herself tearfully feminine she left Brewster still heavily enveloped in melancholy but she left him puzzled he began to wonder if Barbara Drew did have something in the back of her mind then he found his thoughts wandering off toward Peggy and her defiance he had only twice before seen her in that mood and he liked it he remembered how she had lost her temper once when she was 15 and hated a girl he admired suddenly he laughed aloud at the thought of the fierce little picture she had made and the gloom which had been so sedulously cultivated was dissipated in a moment the laugh surprised the man who brought in some letters one of them was from Nopper Harrison and gave him all the private news the ball was to be given at mid-lent which arrived toward the end of March and negotiations were well underway for the opening of the flitter the steam yacht belonging to original Brown late of Brown and Brown the letter made Brewster chafe under the bonds of inaction his affairs were getting into a discouraging state the illness was certain to entail a loss of more than $50,000 to his business his only consolation came through Harrison's synopsis of the reports from Gardner who was managing the brief American tour of the V&E's orchestra quarrels and dissensions were becoming everyday embarrassments and the venture was an utter failure from a financial point of view broken contracts and lawsuits were turning the tour into one continuous round of losses and Paul Gardner was on the point from the beginning apparently the concerts had been marked for disaster public indifference had aroused the scorn of the irresistible members of the orchestra and there was an imminent danger of a collapse in the organization Gardner lived in constant fear that his troop of quarrelsome Hungarians would finish their tour suddenly in each battle with daggers and steins Bruce dismiled at the thought of practical Gardner trying to smooth down the electric emotions of these musicians a few days later Mrs. Prentice Drew and Miss Drew registered at the Ponte de Leon and there was much speculation upon the chances for a reconciliation Monty however a strict silence on the subject and refused to satisfy the curiosity of these friends Mrs. Drew had brought down a small crowd including two pretty Kentucky girls and a young Chicago millionaire she lived well and sensibly with none of the extravagance that characterized the cottage yet it was inevitable that Brewster's guests should see hers and join some of their riding parties Monty pleaded that he was not well enough to be in these excursions but neither he nor Barbara cared to overemphasize their entrenchment Peggy Gray was in despair over Monty's attitude she had become convinced that behind his pride he was cherishing a secret longing for Barbara only how the walls would be broken down if he maintained this icy reserve she was sure that the masterful tone was the one to win with a girl like that but evidently Monty would not accept advice that he was mistaken about Barbara's feelings she did not doubt for a moment and she saw things going hopelessly wrong for want of a word there were times when she let herself dream of possibilities but they always ended by seeming too impossible she cared too much to make the attainment of her vision seem simple she cared too much to be sure of anything at moments she fancied that she might say a word to Miss Drew which would straighten things out but there was something about her even now that they were thrown together more or less she could not get beyond a certain barrier it was not until a sunny day when she had accepted Barbara's invitation to drive that things seemed to go more easily for the first time she felt the charm of the girl and for the first time Barbara seemed unreservedly friendly it was a quiet drive they were taking through the woods and out along the beach and somehow in the open air things simplified themselves finally in the softness and the idle warmth even an illusion to Monty whose name usually meant an embarrassing change of subject began to seem possible it was inevitable that Peggy should bring it in for with her a question of tact was never allowed to dominate when things of moment were at stake she cowered before the plunge but she took it unafraid the doctor says Monty may go out driving tomorrow she began isn't that fine Barbara's only response was to touch her pony a little too sharply with the whip Peggy went on as if unconscious at the challenge he has been bored to death poor fellow in the house all this time and Miss Grey please do not mention Mr Brewster's name to me again interrupted Barbara with a contraction of the eyebrows the Peggy was seized with a spirit of defiance and plunge recklessly on what is the use Mr Rue of taking an attitude like that to the situation pretty well and I can't believe that either Monty or you has lost in a week a feeling that was so deep seated I know Monty much too well to think that he would change so easily Peggy still lived largely in her ideals and you are too finer thing not to have suffered under this misunderstanding it seems as if a very small word would set you both straight Barbara drew herself up and kept her eyes on the road which lay white and gleaning in the sun I have not the least desire to be set straight and she was never more serious that it was only a few weeks ago that you were engaged I am sorry answered Barbara that should have been talked about so much Mr Brewster did ask me to marry him but I never accept it in fact it was only his persistence that made me consider the matter at all I did think about it I confess that I rather liked him but it was not long before I found him out what do you mean and there was a flash in Peggy's eyes what has he done to my certain knowledge he has spent more than $400,000 since last September that is something is it not Mr Brew said in a slow, cool voice and even Peggy's loyalty admitted some justification in the criticism generosity has ceased to be a virtue then she asked coagley generosity exclaimed Barbara sharply it's a sheer idiocy people are saying they are calling him a fool and in the clubs they are betting that he will be a pauper within a year yet they charitably help him to spend his money and I have noticed that even worldly mummers find him eligible the comment was not without its caustic side that was months ago my dear protested Barbara calmly when he spoke to me it would be impossible for him to marry within a year and don't you see that a year may make him an abject beggar naturally anything is preferable to a beggar came in Peggy's clear soft voice Barbara hesitated only a moment well you must admit Miss Gray that it shows a shameful lack of character how could any girl be happy like that and after all one must look out for one's own fate undoubtedly replied Peggy that many thoughts were dashing through her brain shall we turn back to the cottage she said after an awkward silence you certainly don't approve of Mr Brewster's conduct Barbara did not like to be placed in the wrong and felt that she must endeavour to justify herself he is the most reckless of spin thrifts we know and who probably indulges in even less respectable excitement Peggy was not tall but she carried her head at this moment as though she were in the habit of looking down on the world aren't you going a little too far Mr Brewster she asked placidly it is not only New York who loves at his quixotic transactions Barbara persisted Mr Hampton our guest from Chicago says the stories are worse out there than they are in the East it is a pity that Montez illness should have made him so weak said Peggy quietly as they turned in through the great iron gates and Barbara was not slow to see the point End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17 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 17 The New Tenderfoot Brewster was comparatively well and strong when he returned to New York in March his illness had interfered extensively with his plan of campaign and it was imperative that he redouble his efforts not withstanding the manifest dismay of his friends his first act was to call upon Grant and Ripley from whom he hoped to learn what Swaraj and Jones had called of his methods the lawyers had heard no complaint from Montana and advised him to continue as he had begun assuring him as far as they called that Jones would not prove unreasonable an exchange of telegrams just before his operation had renewed Monty's dread of his eccentric mentor New York January the 6th 200 Swaraj and Jones but Montana how about having my life insured would it violate conditions Montgomery Brewster to Montgomery Brewster New York seems to me your life would become an asset in that case can you dispose of it before September 23rd Jones to Swaraj and Jones but Montana on the contrary I think life will be adept by that time Montgomery Brewster to Montgomery Brewster New York if you feel that way about it I advise you to take out a $500 policy Jones to Swaraj and Jones but Montana do you think that amount would cover expenses Montgomery Brewster to Montgomery Brewster New York you won't be caring about expenses if it comes to that Jones the invitations for the second ball had been out for some time and the preparations were nearly complete when Brewster arrived upon the scene of festivity it did not surprise him that several old time friends should hunt him up and protest vigorously against the course he was pursuing nor did it surprise him when he found that his presence was not as essential to the success of some other affair as it had once been he was not greeted as cordially as before and he grimly wondered how many of his friends would stand true to the end the uncertainty and turned more and more often to the unquestioned loyalty of Peggy Gray and her little library saw him more frequently than for months much as he had dreaded the pretentious and resplendent ball it was useful to him in one way at least the profit side of his ledger account was enlarged and in that there was room for secret satisfaction the V&E's orchestra struggled into New York headed by Alan Gardner a physical wreck in time to make a harmonious farewell appearance behind Brewster's palms which caused his guests to wonder why the American public could not appreciate the real thing a careful summing up of the expenses and receipts proved that the tour had been a bonanza for Brewster the net loss was a trifle more than $56,000 when this story became known about town everybody laughed pityingly and Paul Gardner was almost in tears when he tried to explain the disaster to the man who lost the money that multi-sense of humour singularly enough did not desert him on this trying occasion aesthetically the ball proved to be the talk of more than one season Pentingill had justified his desire for authority and made a name which would last he had taken matters into his own hands while Brewster was in Florida and changed the period from the Spain of Bella Quiz to France and Louis Quince after the cards were out he remembered to his consternation that the favours purchased for the Spanish ball would be entirely inappropriate for the French one he wired Brewster at once of this misfortune and was astonished at the nonchalance of his reply but then Monty always was a good sort he thought with a glow of affection the new plan was more costly than the old for it was no simple matter to build a versatile suite at Cherries Pentingill was no imitator but he created an effect which was superbly in keeping with the period he had chosen against it the rich costumes with their accompaniment of wigs and powdered hair shone out resplendent with great difficulty the artist had secured the costume in white satin and gold brocade which might once have adorned the person of Louis himself it made him feel like a pom and jay and it was with infinite relief that he took it off an hour or so after dawn he knew that things had gone well that even Mrs. Dan was satisfied but the whole affair made him heart sick the compliments lavished upon him he detected a note of irony which revealed the laughter that went on behind his back he had not realised how much it would hurt for two cents he thought I'd give up the game and be satisfied with what's left that he reflected that such a course would offer no chance to redeem himself once again he took up the challenge for the winner out then he thought exultantly I'll make them feel this a bit he longed for the time when he could take his friends with him and sail away to the Mediterranean to escape the eyes and tongues of New York impatiently he urged Harrison to complete the arrangements so that they could start at once but Harrison's face was not untroubled then he made his report all the preliminary details had been perfected he had taken the flitter for four months and it was being overhauled and put into condition for the voyage it had been Brown's special pride but at his death it went to heirs who were ready and eager to rent it to the highest bidder it would not have been easy to find a handsome a yacht in New York waters a pick crew of 50 men were under command of Captain Abner Perry the steward was a famous manager and could be relied upon to stock the larder in princely fashion the boat would be in readiness to sail by the 10th of April I think you are going into heavily, Monty protested Harrison twisting his fingers nervously I can't for my life figure how you can get out for less than a fortune if we do everything you have in mind wouldn't it be better to pull up a bit this looks like sheer madness you won't have a dollar Monty honestly you won't it's not in me to save money Nopper but if you can pull out a few dollars for yourself I shall not object you told me that once before Monty said Harrison as he walked to the window when he resolutely turned back again to Brewster his face was white but there was a look of determination around the mouth Monty I've got to give up this job he said huskily Brewster looked up quickly what do you mean Nopper I've got to leave that's all said Harrison and straight and looking over Brewster's head good lord Nopper I can't have that you must not desert the ship what's the matter old chap you're as white as a ghost what is it Monty was standing now and his hands were on Harrison's shoulders but before the intensity of his look his friend's eyes fell helplessly the truth is Monty I've given some of your money and I've lost it that's the reason I I can't stay on I have betrayed your confidence tell me about it and Monty was perhaps more uncomfortable than his friend I don't understand you believed too much in me Monty you see I thought I was doing you a favour you were spending so much and getting nothing in return and I thought I saw a chance to help you out it went wrong that's all and before I could let go of the stock $60,000 of your money had gone I can't replace it yet but God knows I didn't mean to steal it's all right Nopper I see that you thought you were helping me the money's gone and that ends it don't take it so hard old boy I knew you'd act this way but it doesn't help matters some day I may be able to pay back the money I took and I'm going to work until I do Brewster protested that he had no use for the money and begged him to retain the position of trust he had held that Harrison had too much self-respect to care to be confronted daily with the man he had wronged gradually Monty realised that Nopper was pursuing the most manly cause open to him and gave up the effort to dissuade him he insisted upon leaving New York as there was no opportunity to redeem himself in the metropolis I've made up my mind Monty to go out west up in the mountains perhaps there's no telling I may stumble on a gold mine up there and well that seems to be the only chance I have to restore what I have taken from you by Jove Nopper I have it cried Monty if you must go I'll stake you in the hunt for gold in the end Nopper consented to follow Brewster's advice and it was agreed that they should share equally all that resulted from his prospecting tour Brewster grub-staked him for a year and before the end of the week a new tenderfoot was on his way to the Rocky Mountains End of Chapter 17