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 with assumed confidence to make good on this proud boast, even his stout courage was dismayed by the refusals he encountered—by the astounding change in attitude since he last had occasion to visit the bankers. Instead of hailing his presence warmly, like an asset, they greeted him doubtfully, like a liability—or what was more ominous yet—with sympathy, which to his proud nature was worse.

"The Street's lost faith in you, George," sympathized old Simon Mumford. "I've got faith in you myself, of course, but your prestige is dented."

Simon Mumford had succeeded Stephen Gilman as president of the St. Clair Trust Company. He was co-executor with Mrs. Gilman of Fay's estate. If the St. Clair Trust wouldn't do anything for George, who would?

George worked for the entire week he had so boastfully allowed himself before his board of directors, and with not one spark of encouragement. At last he stood before S. R. Blodgett. Blodgett had been the man George had tried to see first of all, but he had been put off and put off until, when he was finally admitted to that august presence in the private office of the president of the Huron National, the convictian had already been formed in his breast that salvation depended on Blodgett alone, and Blodgett was unenthusiastic.