Rambaud, having under his direction vast railroad lines which
penetrated this region, was confident of the future of it.
Cowperwood gathered it all, almost by instinct. Gas, street-railways,
land speculations, banks, wherever located, were his chief thoughts.

Finally he left the club to keep his other appointments, but
something of his personality remained behind him. Mr. Addison and
Mr. Rambaud, among others, were sincerely convinced that he was
one of the most interesting men they had met in years. And he
scarcely had said anything at all--just listened.




Chapter III



A Chicago Evening

After his first visit to the bank over which Addison presided, and
an informal dinner at the latter's home, Cowperwood had decided
that he did not care to sail under any false colors so far as
Addison was concerned. He was too influential and well connected.
Besides, Cowperwood liked him too much. Seeing that the man's
leaning toward him was strong, in reality a fascination, he made
an early morning call a day or two after he had returned from
Fargo, whither he had gone at Mr. Rambaud's suggestion, on his way
back to Philadelphia, determined to volunteer a smooth presentation
of his earlier misfortunes, and trust to Addison's interest to