More than one of these, it is thought, will be ruined by
the catastrophe. Another lesson to the too eager and over-credulous
money-seeker! They will not receive a very large share of public
sympathy."
Mr. Markland read to the end, and then staggered back into a chair,
where he remained for many minutes, before he had the will or
strength to rise. He then went forth hastily, and repaired to the
office of Mr. Fenwick. Several members of the Company, who had seen
the announcement in the morning papers, were there, some pale with
consternation, and some strongly excited. The agent had not yet
arrived. The clerk in the office could answer no questions
satisfactorily. He had not seen Mr. Fenwick since the evening
previous.
"Have his letters yet arrived?" was inquired by one.
"He always takes them from the post-office himself," answered the
clerk.
"What is his usual hour for coming to his office in the morning?"
"He is generally here by this time--often much earlier."
These interrogations, addressed to the clerk by one of those
present, excited doubts and questions in the minds of others.
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