Chapter 35
Orde mounted the office stairs next day with a very heavy step. The loss of the North Star and of the two schooners meant a great deal to him at that time. "It kicks us into somewhat of a hole," he grumbled to Newmark. "A loss is never pleasant," replied the latter, "and it puts us out of the carrying business for awhile. But we're insured." "I can't understand why Floyd started," said Orde. "He ought to know better than to face sure prospects of a fall blow. I'll tan his soul for that, all right!" "I'm afraid I'm partly responsible for his going," put in Newmark. "You!" cried Orde. "Yes. You see that Smith and Mabley shipment was important enough to strain a point for--and it's only twenty-four hours or so--and it certainly didn't look to see me as if it were going to blow very soon
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