Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-02-05
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
It was while Brewster was in the
depths Of despair that his financial af-
fairs had a windfall. One Of the banks
in which his money was deposited fall
ed, and his balance Of over 100000
was wiped out. Mismanagement was
the cause, and the collapse came on
Friday, the 18th day Of the month
Needless to say, it destroyed every YES
tige of the superstition he may have
had regarding Friday and the number
thirteen.
Brewster had money deposited In five
banks, a transaction inspired by the
wild hope that one Of them might some
day suspend operations and thereby
prove a legitimate benefit to him.
There seemed no prospect that the
bank could resume operations, and II the
depositors in the end realized 20 cents
ON the dollar they would be fortunate
Notwithstanding the fact that every
body had considered the institution
SuDSIdnIldl lucIt "ClC hol q kS" "AoS
acres who called Brewster a fool and
were so unreasonable as to say that he
did not know how to handle money
He heard that Miss Drew in particular
was bitterly sarcastic in referring to
his stupidity.
This failure caused tremendous
furry in banking circles. 1t was but
natural that questions concerning the
stability Of other banks should be ask
ed, and 1t was not long before many
wild, disquieting reports were afioat.
Anxious depositors rushed into the big
banking institutions and then rushed
out again, partially assured that there
was no danger. The newspapers sought
to allay the fears of the people, but
there were many to whom fear became
panic. There were short, will runs on
some Of the smaller banks, but all were
in a fair way to restore confidence when
out came the rumor that the Bank of
Manhattan Island was in trouble. Col
onel Prentiss Drew, railroad magnate,
was the president Of this bank.
When the bank opened for business
on the Tuesday following the failure
there was stampede of frightened de-
positors. Before IL o'clock the run had
assumed ugly proportions, and no
amount Of argument could stay the on
slaught. Colonel Drew and the direct
ors, at first mildly distressed and then
seeing that the affairs had become Sc
rious, grew more alarmed. than they
cloud AFFORD to let the public see. The
loans Of all Of the banks were unusu-
ally large. Incipient runs on some had
put all of them in an attitude Of eau
ton, and there was a natural reluc-
tance to expose their own interests to
jeopardy by coming to the relief Of the
Bank of Manhattan Island.
Monty Brewster had something like
100000 in Colonel Drew's bank. He
would not have regretted on his own
account the collapse Of this institution
but he realized what it meant to the
hundreds Of other depositors, and for
the first time he appreciated what his
money could accomplish. Thinking that
his presence might give confidence to
the other depositors and stop the rum
he went over to the bank with Harri-
son and Bragdon. The tellers were
handing out thousands Of dollars to the
eager depositors. His friends advised
him strongly to withdraw before 1t was
too late, but Monty was obdurate. They
set it down to his desire to help Bar
baras father and admired his nerve
Il understand, Monty" said Brag-
don, and both he and Harrison went
among the people careIessly asking one
another If Brewster had come to with
draw his money. mo, he has over
100000, and he's going to leave 1t,
the other would say.
Each excited group was visited in
turn by the two men. but their assur-
ance seemed to accomplish but little,
These men and women were there to
save their fortunes; the situation was
desperate.
Colonel Drew, outwardly calm and
serene. but inwardly perturbed, finally
Sd" plC"SlSl iIiS NoilpehiOiiS' In
sent a messenger over with the request
that Monty come to the presidents pri-
vate office at once.
He wants to help you save your
money" cried Bragdon in low tones
That shows it's all up"
Get out every dollar of it, Monty
and don't waste minute. It's smash
as sure as fate" urged Harrison, a
feverish expression in his eyes.
Brewster was admitted to the colo
nel's private office. Drew was alone
and was pacing the floor like a Gagged
animal
sit down, Brewster, and don't mind
if L seem nervous. OF course we CAM
hold out, but it is terrible, terrible;
They think We are trying to rob them
They're mad-utterly mad"
Il never saw anything like it, colo
nel Are you sure you can meet al
the demands?" asked Brewster, thor.
Oughly excited. The colonels face wa:
white, and he chewed his cigar nerv'
ously.
W.
heaviest depositors get the fever ant
swoop down upon US. l appreciate
your feelings in an affair of this kind
coming so swiftly upon the heels o
the other, but want to give you m!
personal assurance that the money yol
have here is safe. I called you in t.
impress you with the security of th'
bank. You ought to know the truth
however, and l will tell you in conf
dence that another check like Austin'
which we paid a few minutes ago
would cause US serious though tempo
rary embarrassment
Il came to assure you that I have
not thought of withdrawing my de
posits from this bank, colonel. Yo'
need have no uneasiness"-
The door opened suddenly. and on
OF the officials of the bank bolted in
side. his face as white as death HI
L.