A dramatic scene in the book is the following: When the clock struck 1, Taraldsen hurried in - the old messenger from Norges Bank; he always trotted with arms flailing. He stopped at Marcussen’s desk and greeted him; an uncertain smile quivering on his old face as he asked: "It is - hmm - of course an oversight?" "What!" responded Marcussen drily. The smile disappeared rather quickly and in breathless surprise Taraldsen asked again: "Aren’t your bills of exchange to be redeemed today?" "No." "Mr. Marcussen! People say that you are a jocular man; but this -" "I’m not joking - damn it!" Old Taraldsen straightened up; everyone was hunched over their work; only young Rasmus’ eyes met his. The boy was white as a sheet; he began to understand. It also started to become clear for old Taraldsen; but immediately afterwards, he became very confused again; because he understood the entire scope of this; he had the entire town's bills of exchange in his head; and of course he had seen a lot of this kind of thing during his long life but all of those were trifles compared to what would happen now. His voice shook as he almost ceremoniously asked: "Will Carsten Løvdahl’s papers be protested?" "Yes," replied Marcussen without looking up. Old Taraldsen trotted out of the offices; but on the steps he met the messenger from Aktiebanken: "Is it true? - Taraldsen!" "Now the entire town is collapsing," answered the old man, throwing up his arms in despair."
The positive outcomes led to an increase in the current account surplus to Rls 338 billion in 2005 in comparison with a surplus of Rls 195 billion in the preceding year. In keeping with these developments, the money stock increased by 11.6 percent. These economic developments took place in an environment marked by stability in domestic prices. The cost of living index increased by less than 1 percent during 2005. It is expected that the positive results of the economy would continue at the same levels in this year, God willing. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, These positive economic developments were achieved in spite of surrounding challenges, internal or external. The composition of the Kingdom's population represents the most prominent challenge. The Saudi youth group (male and female), younger than 30 years, exceeds 60 percent of the Saudi population which entails continued extensive efforts to build Saudi nationals in scientific, health and intellectual terms to carry out their future development role in the best manner. Your direct attention to satisfy the current and future needs of the country and citizens has been embodied by Your directives providing for using a portion of the additional revenues realized due to  BIS Review 111/2006  1  improved fiscal balance in vital areas, at the top of which is the development of human resources as being the first pivot and ultimate goal of development.