In a few hours the worst would be over.

If Ventnor telegraphed to London his withdrawal from the board, nothing short of a cabled draft for ten thousand pounds would prevent certain creditors from filing a bankruptcy petition.

In the local banks the baronet had about a thousand to his credit.

Surely among the rich merchants of the port, men who knew the potentialities of his scheme, he would be able to raise the money needed.

He would try hard.