the road gradually became known,
and the stock began to assume a better position on the list. Weak and
inefficient corporations were already in existence for completing the
various connections of the road, and of these he immediately, and for
moderate sums, bought the franchises. Within two months, bonds were
issued for building the roads, and the roads themselves were put under
contract. The "terminal facilities" of one end of every contract were
faithfully attended to by Mr. Belcher. His pockets were still capacious
and absorbent. He parted with so much of his appreciated stock as he
could spare without impairing his control, and so at the end of a few
months, found himself in the possession of still another harvest. Not
only this, but he found his power increased. Men watched him, and
followed him into other speculations. They hung around him, anxious to
get indications of his next movement. They flattered him; they fawned
upon him; and to those whom he could in any way use for his own
purposes, he breathed little secrets of the market from which they won
their rewards. People talked about what "the General" was doing, and
proposed to do, as if he were a well-recognized factor in the financial
situation.

Whenever he ran over his line, which he often did for information and
amusement, and for the pleasure of exercising his power, he went in a
special car, at break-neck speed, by telegraph, always accompanied by a
body of friends and toadies, whom he feasted on the way. Everybody
wanted to see him. He was as much a lion as if he had been an Emperor or
a murderer. To emerge upon a platform at a way-station, where there were
hundreds of country people who had flocked in to witness the exhibition,
was his great delight. He spoke to them familiarly and good-naturedly;
transacted his business with a rush; threw the whole village into
tumult; waved his hand; and vanished in a cloud of dust. Such
enterprise, such confidence, such strength, such interest in the local
prosperities of the line, found their natural result in the absorption
of the new bonds. They were purchased by individuals and municipal
corporations. Freight was diverted from its legitimate channels, and
drawn over the road at a loss; but it looked like business. Passes were
scattered in every direction, and the passenger traffic seemed to double
at once. All was bustle, drive, business. Under a single will, backed by
a strong and orderly executive capacity,