slightest might force him to turn in desperation to a length of
lead pipe and a mask, for--a man must live. As yet he had no very
definite plans, he had merely undertaken to establish himself in a
position to profit by the first opportunity, whatever it might be.
And opportunity of some sort would surely come. It always did.
What is more, it had an agreeable way of turning up just when he
was most in need of it.

Gray called at several other banks that morning. He strode in
swiftly, introduced himself with quick incisiveness, and tarried
only long enough to fix himself indelibly in the minds of those he
had come to see, then he left. There are right and wrong ways of
closing a deal or of ending an interview, and Gray flattered
himself that he possessed "terminal facilities." He was very busy,
always a bit pressed for time, always a moment late; his theory of
constant forward motion never permitted an awkward pause in
conversation. On the street, his long legs covered the ground at
something less than a run, his eyes were keenly alert, his face set
in purposeful lines. Pedestrians turned to look after him.

At the mayor's office he was denied admission to the chief
executive, but insisted so peremptorily as to gain his end. Once
inside, he conveyed his compliments with such a graceful flourish
that his intrusion assumed the importance of a ceremony and the
People's Choice was flattered. He inferred that this Calvin Gray
made a practice of presenting his formal respects to the
dignitaries of all the large cities he visited and deemed it a
favor to them. No doubt it was, if he so considered it, for he
appeared to be fully aware of his own importance. After all, it
was an agreeable practice. Since no man in public life can risk