midday
Gradually it leaked out that Scarlett Trent was the buyer , and public interest leaped up at once . Would Trent be able to face settling-day without putting his vast holdings upon the market ? If so the bulls were going to have the worst knock they had had for years -- and yet -- and yet -- the murmur went round from friend to friend -- `` Sell your Bekwandos . '' At midday there came an urgent message from Trent 's bankers , and as he read it he cursed . It was short but eloquent . `` DEAR SIR , -- We notice that your account to-day stands 119,000 pounds overdrawn , against which we hold as collateral security shares in the Bekwando Land Company to the value of 150,000 pounds . As we have received certain very disquieting information concerning the value of these shares , we must ask you to adjust the account before closing hours to-day , or we shall be compelled to place the shares upon the market .