lated ourselves that we were
not as other investors and speculators, and played on.

Once in a while we found some over-cautious banker or broker who had
inexplicable fears for the future.

"Here is an idiot," said Cornish, while we were placing the paper to
float the Trescott deal, "who is calling his loans; and why, do you
think?"

"Can't guess," said Jim, "unless he needs the money. How does _he_
account for it?"

"Read his letter," said Cornish. "Says the Fleischmann failure in London
is making his directors cautious. I'm calling his attention to the now
prevailing sun-spots, as bearing on Lattimore property."

Mr. Elkins read the letter carefully, turned it over, and read it again.

"Don't," said he; "he may be one of those asses who fail to see the
business value of the _reductio ad absurdum_.... Fellows, we must push
this L. & G. W. business with Pendleton. Some of us ought to be down
there now."

"That is wise counsel," I agreed, "and you're the man."

"No," said he positively, "I'm not the man. Cornish, can't you go,
starting, say, to-morrow?"

"No indeed," said Cornish with equal positiveness; "since my turn-down
by Wade on that bond deal, I'm out of touch with the lower Broadway and
Wall Street element. It seems clear to me that you are the only one to
carry this negotiation forward."

"I can't go, absolutely," insisted Jim. "Al, it seems to be up to you."

I knew that Jim ought to do this work, and could not understand the
reasons for both himself and Cornish declining the mission. Privately, I
told him that it was nonsense to send me; but he found reasons in plenty
for the course he had determined upon. He had better control of the hot
air, he said, but as a matter of fact I was more in Pendleton's class
than he was, I was more careful in my statements, and I saw further into
men's minds.

"And if, as you say," said he, "Pendleton thinks me the whole works
here, it will show a self-possession and freedom from anxiety on our
part to accredit a subordinate (as you call yourself) as envoy to the
court of St. Scads. Again, affairs here are likely to need me at any
time; and if we go wrong here, it's all off. I don't dare leave. Anyhow,
down deep in your subconsciousness, you know that in diplomacy you
really have us all beaten to a pulp: and this is a matter as purely
diplomatic as draw-poker. You'll do all right."

My wife was skeptical as to the necessity of my going.

"Why doesn't Mr. Corni