l about mains,
franchise contracts, and gas-machinery. I organized and installed the
plant at Dayton, Ohio, and Rochester, New York. I would have been rich
if I had got here a little earlier." The echo of regret was in his
voice.

"Well, now, here's your chance, Mr. Sippens," urged Cowperwood, subtly.
"Between you and me there's going to be a big new gas company in the
field. We'll make these old fellows step up and see us quickly.
Doesn't that interest you? There'll be plenty of money. It isn't that
that's wanting--it's an organizer, a fighter, a practical gas man to
build the plant, lay the mains, and so on." Cowperwood rose suddenly,
straight and determined--a trick with him when he wanted to really
impress any one. He seemed to radiate force, conquest, victory. "Do
you want to come in?"

"Yes, I do, Mr. Cowperwood!" exclaimed Sippens, jumping to his feet,
putting on his hat and shoving it far back on his head. He looked like
a chest-swollen bantam rooster.

Cowperwood took his extended hand.

"Get your real-estate affairs in order. I'll want you to get me a
franchise in Lake View shortly and build me a plant. I'll give you all
the help you need. I'll arrange everything to your satisfaction within
a week or so. We will want a good lawyer or two."

Sippens smiled ecstatically as he left the office. Oh, the wonder of
this, and after ten years! Now he would show those crooks. Now he had
a real fighter behind him--a man like himself. Now, by George, the fur
would begin to fly! Who was this man, anyhow? What a wonder! He would
look him up. He knew that from now on he would do almost anything
Cowperwood wanted him to do.

Chapter VIII

Now This is Fighting

When Cowperwood, after failing in his overtures to the three city gas
companies, confided to Addison his plan of organizing rival companies
in the suburbs, the banker glared at him appreciatively. "You're a
smart one!" he finally exclaimed. "You'll do! I back you to win!" He
went on to advise Cowperwood that he would need the assistance of some
of the strong men on the various village councils. "They're all as
crooked as eels' teeth," he went on. "But there are one or two that are
more crooked than others and safer--bell-wethers. Have you got your
lawyer?"

"I haven't picked one yet, but I will. I'm looking around for the
right man now.

"Well, of course, I needn't tell you how important that is. There is
one man, old General V