Page:Tom Beauling (1901).pdf/176

 "Then I will take a drink," said Beauling.

Tibbs called a servant, and spoke to him impressively.

"To Ellen and Jack," said Beauling.

"I'll drink that toast," said Tibbs, warmly.

"Well?" said Beauling.

Tibbs set down his glass, empty.

"All be grateful to me some day," he said. "Must tell you, Beauling—in confidence, you understand—funniest thing ever. Margins did it—held some damned American securities, God bless 'em—more 'n I could carry—small margin, very. Went down and down—only point to go—half a point—ruin staring me in the face. Broker 'phoned for instructions. Should he hold on? Could I put up more margin? I couldn't—hadn't a cent in the world. But what did I do—flunk? No. I said, 'What goes down must go up.' 'Phoned my brokers, 'Hold on till hell freezes over!' Awful thing to do—ruined, anyway—thought might 's well be disgraced too. Securities down