as the fiscal agent. I had the information not ten minutes
ago."

"So did I," replied Cowperwood, calmly. "We should have acted a
little sooner. Still, it isn't our fault exactly. Do you know
the terms of agreement?"

"They're going to pool their stock on a basis of three to one,
with about thirty per cent. of the holding company left for
Schryhart to sell or keep, as he wants to. He guarantees the
interest. We did that for him--drove the game right into his bag."

"Nevertheless," replied Cowperwood, "he still has us to deal with.
I propose now that we go into the city council and ask for a
blanket franchise. It can be had. If we should get it, it will
bring them to their knees. We will really be in a better position
than they are with these smaller companies as feeders. We can
unite with ourselves."

"That will take considerable money, won't it?"

"Not so much. We may never need to lay a pipe or build a plant.
They will offer to sell out, buy, or combine before that. We can
fix the terms. Leave it to me. You don't happen to know by
any chance this Mr. McKenty, who has so much say in local affairs
here--John J. McKenty?"

Cowperwood was referring to a man who was at once gambler, rumored
owner or controller of a series of houses of prostitution, rumored
maker of mayors and aldermen, rumored financial backer of many