a hunter with horn, to the chase.

"Well, Mr. Cowperwood," he replied, with less defiance and more
camaraderie, "if you could show me that you have a legitimate
proposition in hand I am a practical gas man. I know all about
mains, franchise contracts, and gas-machinery. I organized and
installed the plant at Dayton, Ohio, and Rochester, New York. I
would have been rich if I had got here a little earlier." The echo
of regret was in his voice.

"Well, now, here's your chance, Mr. Sippens," urged Cowperwood,
subtly. "Between you and me there's going to be a big new gas
company in the field. We'll make these old fellows step up and
see us quickly. Doesn't that interest you? There'll be plenty of
money. It isn't that that's wanting--it's an organizer, a fighter,
a practical gas man to build the plant, lay the mains, and so on."
Cowperwood rose suddenly, straight and determined--a trick with
him when he wanted to really impress any one. He seemed to radiate
force, conquest, victory. "Do you want to come in?"

"Yes, I do, Mr. Cowperwood!" exclaimed Sippens, jumping to his
feet, putting on his hat and shoving it far back on his head. He
looked like a chest-swollen bantam rooster.

Cowperwood took his extended hand.

"Get your real-estate affairs in order. I'll want you to get me
a franchise in Lake View shortly and build me a plant. I'll give
you all the help you need. I'll arrange everything to your
satisfaction within a week or so. We will want a good lawyer or