THE LAST BREAKFAST And that day was not long in coming; indeed, it came with terrible alacrity; much too quickly for Gertrude, much too quickly for Norman; and much too quickly for Alaric's lawyer.

To Alaric only did the time pass slowly, for he found himself utterly without employment.
Norman and Uncle Bat between them had raised something about L6,000; but when the day came on which they were prepared to dispose of the shares, the Limehouse bridge was found to be worth nothing.

They were, as the broker had said, ticklish stock; so ticklish that no one would have them at any price.

When Undy, together with his agent from Tillietudlem, went into the market about the same time to dispose of theirs, they were equally unsuccessful.

How the agent looked and spoke and felt may be imagined; for the agent had made large advances, and had no other security; but Undy had borne such looks and speeches before, and merely said that it was very odd--extremely odd; he had been greatly deceived by Mr.Piles.