apers, were beginning to write them. Political
enemies were taking heart. It meant too much of a sacrifice on the
part of everybody. In spite of the fact that the bait was apparently
within easy reach, many became evasive and disturbed. When a certain
Representative Sparks, cocked and primed, with the bill in his pocket,
arose upon the floor of the house, asking leave to have it spread upon
the minutes, there was an instant explosion. The privilege of the
floor was requested by a hundred. Another representative, Disback,
being in charge of the opposition to Cowperwood, had made a count of
noses and was satisfied in spite of all subtlety on the part of the
enemy that he had at least one hundred and two votes, the necessary
two-thirds wherewith to crush any measure which might originate on the
floor. Nevertheless, his followers, because of caution, voted it to a
second and a third reading. All sorts of amendments were made--one for
a three-cent fare during the rush-hours, another for a 20 per cent. tax
on gross receipts. In amended form the measure was sent to the senate,
where the changes were stricken out and the bill once more returned to
the house. Here, to Cowperwood's chagrin, signs were made manifest
that it could not be passed. "It can't be done, Frank," said Judge
Dickensheets. "It's too grilling a game. Their home papers are after
them. They can't live."

Consequently a second measure was devised--more soothing and lulling to
the newspapers, but far less satisfactory to Cowperwood. It conferred
upon the Chicago City Council, by a trick of revising the old Horse and
Dummy Act of 1865, the right to grant a franchise for fifty instead of
for twenty years. This meant that Cowperwood would have to return to
Chicago and fight out his battle there. It was a severe blow, yet
better than nothing. Providing that he could win one more franchise
battle within the walls of the city council in Chicago, it would give
him all that he desired. But could he? Had he not come here to the
legislature especially to evade such a risk? His motives were enduring
such a blistering exposure. Yet perhaps, after all, if the price were
large enough the Chicago councilmen would have more real courage than
these country legislators--would dare more. They would have to.

So, after Heaven knows what desperate whisperings, conferences,
arguments, and heartening of members, there was originated a second
measure which--after the