Chapter XII

A New Retainer

Cowperwood, who had rebuffed Schryhart so courteously but firmly, was
to learn that he who takes the sword may well perish by the sword. His
own watchful attorney, on guard at the state capitol, where
certificates of incorporation were issued in the city and village
councils, in the courts and so forth, was not long in learning that a
counter-movement of significance was under way. Old General Van Sickle
was the first to report that something was in the wind in connection
with the North Side company. He came in late one afternoon, his dusty
greatcoat thrown loosely about his shoulders, his small, soft hat low
over his shaggy eyes, and in response to Cowperwood's "Evening,
General, what can I do for you?" seated himself portentously.

"I think you'll have to prepare for real rough weather in the future,
Captain," he remarked, addressing the financier with a courtesy title
that he had fallen in the habit of using.

"What's the trouble now?" asked Cowperwood.

"No real trouble as yet, but there may be. Some one--I don't know
who--is getting these three old companies together in one. There's a
certificate of incorporation been applied for at Springfield for the
United Gas and Fuel Company of Chicago, and there are some directors'
meetings now going on at the Douglas Trust Company. I got this from
Duniway, who seems to have friends somewhere that know."

Cowperwood put the ends of his fingers together in his customary way
and began to tap them lightly and rhythmically.

"Let me see--the Douglas Trust Company. Mr. Simms is president of
that. He isn't shrewd enough to organize a thing of that kind. Who are
the incorporators?"

The General produced a list of four names, none of them officers or
directors of the old companies.

"Dummies, every one," said Cowperwood, succinctly. "I think I know,"
he said, after a few moments' reflection, "who is behind it, General;
but don't let that worry you. They can't harm us if they do unite.
They're bound to sell out to us or buy us out eventually."

Still it irritated him to think that Schryhart had succeeded in
persuading the old companies to combine on any basis; he had meant to
have Addison go shortly, posing as an outside party, and propose this
very thing. Schryhart, he was sure, had acted swiftly following their
interview. He hurried to Addison's office in the Lake National.

"Have you heard the news?" exclaimed that individual