A Catastrophe

H.G. Wells's short story, 'A Catastrophe' was published alongside many of his other works in 'The Plattner Story and Others'. This novella is a poignant tale of a cloth merchant, named Winslow, whose business is on the brink of bankrupcy; his competitor Bandersnatch undercuts his prices and he still owes his investors - Helter, Skelter and Grab - money. His fortunes change, however, when the titular catastrophe strikes the family just in time to stop complete financial ruin.