with those two tunnels under any
circumstances until we can see what can be done about this other
matter?"

"It will not."

"In the next place, it is understood, is it, that you won't make it any
easier than you can possibly help for the North and West Side companies
to get ordinances extending their lines, or anything else, from now on?
I shall want to introduce some franchises for feeders and outlying
lines myself."

"Bring in your ordinances," replied McKenty, "and I'll do whatever you
say. I've worked with you before. I know that you keep your word."

"Thanks," said Cowperwood, warmly. "I know the value of keeping it.
In the mean while I'll go ahead and see what can be done about the
other matter. I don't know just how many men I will need to let in on
this, or just what form the organization will take. But you may depend
upon it that your interests will be properly taken care of, and that
whatever is done will be done with your full knowledge and consent."

"All very good," answered McKenty, thinking of the new field of
activity before them. A combination between himself and Cowperwood in
a matter like this must prove very beneficial to both. And he was
satisfied, because of their previous relations, that his own interests
would not be neglected.

"Shall we go and see if we can find the ladies?" asked Cowperwood,
jauntily, laying hold of the politician's arm.

"To be sure," assented McKenty, gaily. "It's a fine house you have
here--beautiful. And your wife is as pretty a woman as I ever saw, if
you'll pardon the familiarity."

"I have always thought she was rather attractive myself," replied
Cowperwood, innocently.

Chapter XXII

Street-railways at Last

Among the directors of the North Chicago City company there was one
man, Edwin L. Kaffrath, who was young and of a forward-looking
temperament. His father, a former heavy stockholder of this company,
had recently died and left all his holdings and practically his
directorship to his only son. Young Kaffrath was by no means a
practical street-railway man, though he fancied he could do very well
at it if given a chance. He was the holder of nearly eight hundred of
the five thousand shares of stock; but the rest of it was so divided
that he could only exercise a minor influence. Nevertheless, from the
day of his entrance into the company--which was months before
Cowperwood began seriously to think over the situation--he had been
st