So Mr. Sandford had all things snug. The Vortex was going on under close-reefed topsails. If the notes he held were paid as they matured, he would have money for new operations; if not, he had arranged that the debtors should be piloted over the bar and anchored in safely till the storm should blow over. Everything was secured, as far as human foresight could anticipate.
Mr. Sandford had now but little use for Fletcher's services, except to look after his debtors,--to know who was "shinning" in the street, or "kite-flying" with accommodation-paper. Still he did not admit the agent into his confidence. But this active and scheming mind was not long without employment. Mr. Bullion had seen him in frequent communication with Sandford, and thereby formed a high opinion of his shrewdness and tact; for he knew that Sandford was very wary in selecting his associates. He sought Fletcher.
"Young man," said Bullion, pointing his wisp of an eyebrow at him, "do you want a job? Few words and keep mum. Yes or no?"
"It doesn't take much pluck to follow Mr. Bullion's lead."
"None of your nonsense. How do you know anything about me, or what I am going to do? I may fail to-morrow,--God forbid!--but when the wind comes, it's the tall trees that are knocked over."
Fletcher thought the comparison rather ludicrous for a man standing on such remarkably short pegs, but he said nothing.
"I mean to sell a few shares of stock, and I want you to do the business. I am not to be known in it."
Fletcher bowed, and asked what the stocks were.
"No matter; any you can sell to advantage. I haven't a share, but I needn't tell you _that_ doesn't make any difference."
"Let me understand you clearly," said Fletcher.
"Sell under. For instance, take a stock that sells to-day at ninety-four; offer to deliver it five days hence at ninety. To-morrow offer it a peg lower, and so on, till the market is easier. When the first contract is up, we shall get the stock at eighty-eight, or less, perhaps,--deliver to the buyers, and pocket the difference."
"It's bound to fall. People that hold stock _must_ sell to pay their notes. Every day brings a fresh lot of shares to the hammer."
"But the bulls may corner you; they will try mightily to keep prices up."