were interested.

Anson Merrill, who had only a few weeks before given a large field for
athletic purposes to the University, pulled a wry face over this sudden
eclipse of his glory. Hosmer Hand, who had given a chemical
laboratory, and Schryhart, who had presented a dormitory, were
depressed to think that a benefaction less costly than theirs should
create, because of the distinction of the idea, so much more notable
comment. It was merely another example of the brilliant fortune which
seemed to pursue the man, the star that set all their plans at defiance.

Chapter XLIV

A Franchise Obtained

The money requisite for the construction of elevated roads having been
thus pyrotechnically obtained, the acquisition of franchises remained
no easy matter. It involved, among other problems, the taming of
Chaffee Thayer Sluss, who, quite unconscious of the evidence stored up
against him, had begun to fulminate the moment it was suggested in
various secret political quarters that a new ordinance was about to be
introduced, and that Cowperwood was to be the beneficiary. "Don't you
let them do that, Mr. Sluss," observed Mr. Hand, who for purposes of
conference had courteously but firmly bidden his hireling, the mayor,
to lunch. "Don't you let them pass that if you can help it." (As
chairman or president of the city council Mr. Sluss held considerable
manipulative power over the machinery of procedure.) "Raise such a row
that they won't try to pass it over your head. Your political future
really depends on it--your standing with the people of Chicago. The
newspapers and the respectable financial and social elements will fully
support you in this. Otherwise they will wholly desert you. Things
have come to a handsome pass when men sworn and elected to perform
given services turn on their backers and betray them in this way!"

Mr. Hand was very wroth.

Mr. Sluss, immaculate in black broadcloth and white linen, was very
sure that he would fulfil to the letter all of Mr. Hand's suggestions.
The proposed ordinance should be denounced by him; its legislative
progress heartily opposed in council.

"They shall get no quarter from me!" he declared, emphatically. "I know
what the scheme is. They know that I know it."

He looked at Mr. Hand quite as one advocate of righteousness should
look at another, and the rich promoter went away satisfied that the
reins of government were in safe hands. Immediately afterward M