, the moment
Cowperwood appeared. "They're planning to combine. It's Schryhart. I
was afraid of that. Simms of the Douglas Trust is going to act as the
fiscal agent. I had the information not ten minutes ago."

"So did I," replied Cowperwood, calmly. "We should have acted a little
sooner. Still, it isn't our fault exactly. Do you know the terms of
agreement?"

"They're going to pool their stock on a basis of three to one, with
about thirty per cent. of the holding company left for Schryhart to
sell or keep, as he wants to. He guarantees the interest. We did that
for him--drove the game right into his bag."

"Nevertheless," replied Cowperwood, "he still has us to deal with. I
propose now that we go into the city council and ask for a blanket
franchise. It can be had. If we should get it, it will bring them to
their knees. We will really be in a better position than they are with
these smaller companies as feeders. We can unite with ourselves."

"That will take considerable money, won't it?"

"Not so much. We may never need to lay a pipe or build a plant. They
will offer to sell out, buy, or combine before that. We can fix the
terms. Leave it to me. You don't happen to know by any chance this
Mr. McKenty, who has so much say in local affairs here--John J.
McKenty?"

Cowperwood was referring to a man who was at once gambler, rumored
owner or controller of a series of houses of prostitution, rumored
maker of mayors and aldermen, rumored financial backer of many saloons
and contracting companies--in short, the patron saint of the political
and social underworld of Chicago, and who was naturally to be reckoned
with in matters which related to the city and state legislative
programme.

"I don't," said Addison; "but I can get you a letter. Why?"

"Don't trouble to ask me that now. Get me as strong an introduction as
you can."

"I'll have one for you to-day some time," replied Addison, efficiently.
"I'll send it over to you."

Cowperwood went out while Addison speculated as to this newest move.
Trust Cowperwood to dig a pit into which the enemy might fall. He
marveled sometimes at the man's resourcefulness. He never quarreled
with the directness and incisiveness of Cowperwood's action.

The man, McKenty, whom Cowperwood had in mind in this rather disturbing
hour, was as interesting and forceful an individual as one would care
to meet anywhere, a typical figure of Chicago and the West at the tim