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
would not have regretted on his own account the collapse of this
institution, but he realized 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
other depositors and stop the run he went over to the bank with
Harrison and Bragdon. 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 obdurate. They set it down to his
desire to help Barbara's father and admired his nerve.

"I understand, Monty," said Bragdon, 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. These men and women were
there to save their fortunes; the situation was desperate.

Colonel Drew, 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 Bragdon 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. Drew 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
and swoop 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 safe. I
called you in