that they will run true and do business. But I, or any man in my place,
would have to have solid backing here in New York; a board that would be
as aggressive as a handful of rebels fighting for life, and every man of
it determined to win out or smash something. Mr. Magnus spoke of the
opposition we should encounter from our competitors. He might have said
more. What the Transcontinental, for example, wouldn't do to obliterate
us needn't be catalogued. How do you suppose the present P. S-W. board
would fare in such a fight?"

The youngest member of the flouted board laughed again.

"You mustn't say in your wrath that all men are liars--or cowards. There
is plenty of fight in our crowd; and plenty of money, too, if you could
only get it sufficiently scared."

"I've done my best," said Ford, slamming the lid of the trunk and
buckling the straps vigorously. "The next time I'll find my market first
and build my scheme afterward."

"Well, if I can say it without offense, I'm honestly sorry for you, Mr.
Ford; you've been butchered to make a Broad Street holiday," said Adair,
lounging toward the door. "You are going back to the West, I suppose?"

"Yes."

"What line?"

"Pennsylvania; five-ten this afternoon."

"That is a long time between drinks. Suppose you come up to the club and