important it was that his shortage of half a million should not be
made public. Then he must get as much more as possible. But where to get
it? Presidents of banks and trust companies, large stock jobbers, and
the like, would have to be seen. Then there was a loan of one hundred
thousand dollars he was carrying for Butler. The old contractor might be
induced to leave that. He hurried to his home, secured his runabout, and
drove rapidly to Stener's.

As it turned out, however, much to his distress and confusion, Stener
was out of town--down on the Chesapeake with several friends shooting
ducks and fishing, and was not expected back for several days. He was in
the marshes back of some small town. Cowperwood sent an urgent wire to
the nearest point and then, to make assurance doubly sure, to several
other points in the same neighborhood, asking him to return immediately.
He was not at all sure, however, that Stener would return in time and
was greatly nonplussed and uncertain for the moment as to what his next
step would be. Aid must be forthcoming from somewhere and at once.

Suddenly a helpful thought occurred to him. Butler and Mollenhauer and
Simpson were long on local street-railways. They must combine to support
the situation and protect their interests. They could see the big
bankers, Drexel & Co. and Cooke & Co., and others and urge them to
sustain the market. They could strengthen things generally by organizing
a buying ring, and under cover of their support, if they would, he might
sell enough to let him out, and even permit him to go short and make
something--a whole lot. It was a brilliant thought, worthy of a greater
situation, and its only weakness was that it was not absolutely certain
of fulfillment.

He decided to go to Butler at once, the only disturbing thought being
that he would now be compelled to reveal his own and Stener's affairs.
So reentering his runabout he drove swiftly to the Butler home.

When he arrived there the famous contractor was at dinner. He had not
heard the calling of the extras, and of course, did not understand
as yet the significance of the fire. The servant's announcement of
Cowperwood brought him smiling to the door.

"Won't you come in and join us? We're just havin' a light supper. Have a
cup of coffee or tea, now--do."

"I can't," replied Cowperwood. "Not to-night, I'm in too much of a
hurry. I want to see you for just a few moments, and then I'll be off
again. I won't