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 Mrs. Dan’s open criticism told plainly enough how the wind was blowing, but 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 Mrs. Gray.  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, “Edwin P. Brewster is turning handsprings in his grave over the way he is going it,” Monty 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 Swearengen Jones was concerned, he prepared for what was to be his one and only venture on the Stock Exchange before the 23d of the following September.  With all the cunning and craftiness of a general he laid 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 to-day at 111 3/4 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 Elon, loyally, despite the wound.

“Gardy, 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 lumber men 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 to-morrow?  I’ll start with ten thousand shares.  What will it cost me to margin it for ten points?”