turn the world upside down--just as you do, my dear young man; just as
you do."

Ford got upon his feet. The time had arrived for the firing of the shot
of last resort, and he aimed it deliberately.

"I came first to you, Mr. Colbrith, because it was my duty as a
subordinate, and your own appointee, and because you were my father's
friend so many years ago. I may say, frankly, that I did it against good
advice. Men who profess to know you have counseled me to appeal directly
to the board. What I wish to know now is if you are willing to take the
entire responsibility of turning this plan of mine down. Will it not
relieve you of all responsibility if you will call a meeting of the
directors, and let me lay this absurd proposal of mine before it? You
can surely have no fears for the result."

The shot told. The president struggled to his feet and took a nervous
turn up and down the long room. When he replied, it was with the
indecisive man's reluctance to commitment of any sort.

"If I call the meeting, I shall be ridiculed; and if I don't call it, I
suppose you'll go to Brewster and Magnus and tell them I've muzzled you.
Have it your own way. I'll issue the call for ten o'clock, the day after
to-morrow, in McVeigh and Mackie's offices in Broad Street. But I warn
you in advance, Mr. Ford, I shall not be able to help you in the least.
And I may add this: that when you reach that part of your proposal where
you call for thirty-five millions additional capital, you may as well
put on your hat and go home. That will be the end of it."

"And of me," laughed the enthusiast. But in spite of the cold comfort,