the lines now
ended, in order that when the time came for them to extend their
facilities they would have to see him or his sons, who might be large
minority stockholders in these very concerns. It was a far-sighted plan,
and meant that the lines would eventually drop into his or his sons'
basket.

"I'll be delighted to work with you, Mr. Butler, in any way that you
may suggest," observed Cowperwood. "I can't say that I have so much of a
business as yet--merely prospects. But my connections are good. I am
now a member of the New York and Philadelphia exchanges. Those who have
dealt with me seem to like the results I get."

"I know a little something about your work already," reiterated Butler,
wisely.

"Very well, then; whenever you have a commission you can call at
my office, or write, or I will call here. I will give you my secret
operating code, so that anything you say will be strictly confidential."

"Well, we'll not say anything more now. In a few days I'll have
somethin' for you. When I do, you can draw on my bank for what you need,
up to a certain amount." He got up and looked out into the street, and
Cowperwood also arose.

"It's a fine day now, isn't it?"

"It surely is."

"Well, we'll get to know each other better, I'm sure."

He held out his hand.

"I hope so."

Cowperwood went out, Butler accompanying him to the door. As he did so a
young girl bounded in from the street, red-cheeked, blue-eyed, wearing a
scarlet cape with the peaked hood thrown over her red-gold hair.

"Oh, daddy, I almost knocked you down."

She gave her father, and incidentally Cowperwood, a gleaming, radiant,
inclusive smile. Her teeth were bright and small, and her lips bud-red.

"You're home early. I thought you were going to stay all day?"

"I was, but I changed my mind."

She passed on in, swinging her arms.

"Yes, well--" Butler continued, when she had gone. "Then well leave it
for a day or two. Good day."

"Good day."

Cowperwood, warm with this enhancing of his financial prospects, went
down the steps; but incidentally he spared a passing thought for the gay
spirit of youth that had manifested itself in this red-cheeked maiden.
What a bright, healthy, bounding girl! Her voice had the subtle,
vigorous ring of fifteen or sixteen. She was all vitality. What a fine
catch for some young fellow some day, and her father would make him
rich, no doubt, or help to.

Chapter XII

It was to Edward Malia B