for some time. The officers and directors of the old companies
are angry at me merely because I am supposed to have invaded the
fields that belong to them. Now, if on account of that they are
willing to operate through you rather than through me, it seems
to me that I should have a much larger share in the surplus. My
personal interest in these new companies is not very large. I am
really more of a fiscal agent than anything else." (This was not
true, but Cowperwood preferred to have his guest think so.)

Schryhart smiled. "But, my dear sir," he explained, "you forget
that I will be supplying nearly all the capital to do this."

"You forget," retorted Cowperwood, "that I am not a novice. I will
guarantee to supply all the capital myself, and give you a good
bonus for your services, if you want that. The plants and franchises
of the old and new companies are worth something. You must remember
that Chicago is growing."

"I know that," replied Schryhart, evasively, "but I also know that
you have a long, expensive fight ahead of you. As things are now
you cannot, of yourself, expect to bring these old companies to
terms. They won't work with you, as I understand it. It will
require an outsider like myself--some one of influence, or perhaps,
I had better say, of old standing in Chicago, some one who knows
these people--to bring about this combination. Have you any one,
do you think, who can do it better than I?"

"It is not at all impossible that I will find some one," replied
Cowperwood, quite easily.