and was
due me. I needed the money, and asked for it. I don't see that there is
anything illegal in that."

"Not if the transaction was completed in all its details," replied
Mollenhauer, blandly. "As I understand it, the certificates were bought
for the sinking-fund, and they are not there. How do you explain that?"

"An oversight, merely," replied Cowperwood, innocently, and quite as
blandly as Mollenhauer. "They would have been there if I had not been
compelled to assign so unexpectedly. It was not possible for me to
attend to everything in person. It has not been our custom to deposit
them at once. Mr. Stener will tell you that, if you ask him."

"You don't say," replied Mollenhauer. "He did not give me that
impression. However, they are not there, and I believe that that makes
some difference legally. I have no interest in the matter one way or the
other, more than that of any other good Republican. I don't see exactly
what I can do for you. What did you think I could do?"

"I don't believe you can do anything for me, Mr. Mollenhauer," replied
Cowperwood, a little tartly, "unless you are willing to deal quite
frankly with me. I am not a beginner in politics in Philadelphia. I know
something about the powers in command. I thought that you could stop any
plan to prosecute me in this matter, and give me time to get on my feet
again. I am not any more criminally responsible for that sixty thousand
dollars than I am for the five hundred thousand dollars that I had as
loan before it--not as much so. I did not create this panic. I did not
set Chicago on fire. Mr. Stener and his friends have been reaping some
profit out of dealing with me. I certainly was entitled to make some
effort to save myself after all these years of service, and I can't
understand why I should not receive some courtesy at the hands of
the present city administration, after I have been so useful to it. I
certainly have kept city loan at par; and as for Mr. Stener's money, he
has never wanted for his interest on that, and more than his interest."

"Quite so," replied Mollenhauer, looking Cowperwood in the eye steadily
and estimating the force and accuracy of the man at their real value. "I
understand exactly how it has all come about, Mr. Cowperwood. No doubt
Mr. Stener owes you a debt of gratitude, as does the remainder of the
city administration. I'm not saying what the city administration ought
or ought not do. All I know is that you find yours