Suspense like the present is not to be endured." And so he made preparations to call upon a certain broker in Wall street, who had expressed most confidence in Lyon, and offer to sell him out his whole interest.

He had taken breakfast, and was about leaving the hotel, when, in passing the reading-room, it occurred to him to glance over the morning papers.

So he stepped in for that purpose.
Almost the first thing that arrested his attention was the announcement of an arrival, and news from Central America.

"BURSTING OF A MAGNIFICENT BUBBLE--FLIGHT OF A DEFAULTING AGENT."-- were the next words that startled him.

He read on: "The Government of--has seized upon all that immense tract of land, reported to be so rich in mineral wealth, which was granted some two years ago to the--Company.