“Hi, Gallegher,” Arnie said, looking up at the tele-plate over his desk. “What’s up?”

“I am. At the end of a rope. Listen, did I buy some stock lately?”

“Sure. In Devices—DU.”

“Then I want to sell it. I need the dough, quick.”

“Wait a minute.” Arnie pressed buttons. Current quotations were flashing across his wall, Gallegher knew.

“Well?”

“No soap. The bottom’s dropped out. Four asked, nothing bid.”

“What did I buy at?”

“Twenty.”

Gallegher emitted the howl of a wounded wolf. “ Twenty? And you let me do that?”