er than through me, it seems to me that I should have a much larger
share in the surplus. My personal interest in these new companies is
not very large. I am really more of a fiscal agent than anything
else." (This was not true, but Cowperwood preferred to have his guest
think so.)

Schryhart smiled. "But, my dear sir," he explained, "you forget that I
will be supplying nearly all the capital to do this."

"You forget," retorted Cowperwood, "that I am not a novice. I will
guarantee to supply all the capital myself, and give you a good bonus
for your services, if you want that. The plants and franchises of the
old and new companies are worth something. You must remember that
Chicago is growing."

"I know that," replied Schryhart, evasively, "but I also know that you
have a long, expensive fight ahead of you. As things are now you
cannot, of yourself, expect to bring these old companies to terms.
They won't work with you, as I understand it. It will require an
outsider like myself--some one of influence, or perhaps, I had better
say, of old standing in Chicago, some one who knows these people--to
bring about this combination. Have you any one, do you think, who can
do it better than I?"

"It is not at all impossible that I will find some one," replied
Cowperwood, quite easily.

"I hardly think so; certainly not as things are now. The old companies
are not disposed to work through you, and they are through me. Don't
you think you had better accept my terms and allow me to go ahead and
close this matter up?"

"Not at all on that basis," replied Cowperwood, quite simply. "We have
invaded the enemies' country too far and done too much. Three for one
or four for one--whatever terms are given the stockholders of the old
companies--is the best I will do about the new shares, and I must have
one-half of whatever is left for myself. At that I will have to divide
with others." (This was not true either.)

"No," replied Schryhart, evasively and opposingly, shaking his square
head. "It can't be done. The risks are too great. I might allow you
one-fourth, possibly--I can't tell yet."

"One-half or nothing," said Cowperwood, definitely.

Schryhart got up. "That's the best you will do, is it?" he inquired.

"The very best."

"I'm afraid then," he said, "we can't come to terms. I'm sorry. You
may find this a rather long and expensive fight."

"I have fully anticipated that," replied the financier.