rsonal machine. So have I--and so has every one
who takes the responsibility for the actions of those of lesser
intelligence. Leaving out first and second causes--we're all doing just
what we're meant to do, and it doesn't matter who or what meant it.
Wimperley and the others will be up here soon, and regard me as a crazy
idealist who inveigled them into building a house of cards. The heads of
departments--at least some of them--will look at me and wonder how it was
that I gave them any confidence in the future. Hundreds of creditors
will consider me personally responsible because they have to wait for
their money, and about two thousand Poles and Hungarians will want to
kill me to gratify their sense of personal injury. On top of that,
ninety-nine men out of a hundred will forget all about my seven years'
work, and that I started with nothing, and will point to the Consolidated
as an excellent example of misdirected energy. For a little while little
men will smile with commiseration and say 'He did the best he could,'
but," and here Clark's voice deepened, "only for a little while. Now,
friend Bowers, where do I stand with you?"

Bowers got up and paced the terrace irresolutely, glancing now and then
at the motionless, gray clad figure in the wicker chair. He was suddenly
and profoundly moved. In the past he had seen but one side of Clark, and
this sudden depth of feeling was startling. He knew that if he still
took his chief as the crowd took him, Clark would not apparently be
affected in any degree, but would only classify and finally put him away
with his own kind.

"Don't think for a moment I'm making any appeal," went on the steady
voice. "It really doesn't matter whether you believe in me or not.
There's just one thing supremely important at the present time, which is
my belief in myself. That's my anchorage--it always has been and will
be. I don't consider that we owe each other anything, but just the same
I would like to know where you place me."

Bowers had a swift vision of what he was seven years ago, and set it
against what he was now. Then, with full consciousness of the complete
confidence that was placed in him by Clark, he turned and held out his
hand.

"I place you," he said a little jerkily, "just where you want to be
placed."

Clark merely touched the extended fingers, but his face brightened and a
smile crept into his eyes.

"I thought you did, but--" he added quizzically, "I ha