Chapter XII



A New Retainer

Cowperwood, who had rebuffed Schryhart so courteously but firmly,
was to learn that he who takes the sword may well perish by the
sword. His own watchful attorney, on guard at the state capitol,
where certificates of incorporation were issued in the city and
village councils, in the courts and so forth, was not long in
learning that a counter-movement of significance was under way.
Old General Van Sickle was the first to report that something was
in the wind in connection with the North Side company. He came
in late one afternoon, his dusty greatcoat thrown loosely about
his shoulders, his small, soft hat low over his shaggy eyes, and
in response to Cowperwood's "Evening, General, what can I do for
you?" seated himself portentously.

"I think you'll have to prepare for real rough weather in the
future, Captain," he remarked, addressing the financier with a
courtesy title that he had fallen in the habit of using.

"What's the trouble now?" asked Cowperwood.

"No real trouble as yet, but there may be. Some one--I don't
know who--is getting these three old companies together in one.
There's a certificate of incorporation been applied for at Springfield
for the United Gas and Fuel Company of Chicago, and there are some