tion on that basis."

"And I have no particular objection," said Merrill. "I think, however,
it would be only fair to give as much notice as possible of any
decision we may reach," he added.

"Why not send for the various bankers now," suggested Schryhart, "and
find out exactly where he stands, and how much it will take to carry
Hull & Stackpole? Then we can inform Mr. Cowperwood of what we propose
to do."

To this proposition Mr. Hand nodded an assent, at the same time
consulting a large, heavily engraved gold watch of the most ponderous
and inartistic design. "I think," he said, "that we have found the
solution to this situation at last. I suggest that we get Candish and
Kramer, of the stock-exchange" (he was referring to the president and
secretary, respectively, of that organization), "and Simmons, of the
Douglas Trust. We should soon be able to tell what we can do."

The library of Mr. Arneel's home was fixed upon as the most suitable
rendezvous. Telephones were forthwith set ringing and messengers and
telegrams despatched in order that the subsidiary financial luminaries
and the watch-dogs of the various local treasuries might come and, as
it were, put their seal on this secret decision, which it was obviously
presumed no minor official or luminary would have the temerity to
gainsay.

Chapter XLIX

Mount Olympus

By eight o'clock, at which hour the conference was set, the principal
financial personages of Chicago were truly in a great turmoil. Messrs.
Hand, Schryhart, Merrill, and Arneel were personally interested! What
would you? As early as seven-thirty there was a pattering of horses'
hoofs and a jingle of harness, as splendid open carriages were drawn up
in front of various exclusive mansions and a bank president, or a
director at least, issued forth at the call of one of the big
quadrumvirate to journey to the home of Mr. Arneel. Such interesting
figures as Samuel Blackman, once president of the old Chicago Gas
Company, and now a director of the Prairie National; Hudson Baker, once
president of the West Chicago Gas Company, and now a director of the
Chicago Central National; Ormonde Ricketts, publisher of the Chronicle
and director of the Third National; Norrie Simms, president of the
Douglas Trust Company; Walter Rysam Cotton, once an active wholesale
coffee-broker, but now a director principally of various institutions,
were all en route. It was a procession of solemn, superior, thou