ay's confidence. On top of Richard's wonder Mr. Bayard piled another
marvel. He declared that he did not believe the word of Senator Hanway.

"He is a fox for caution," quoth Mr. Bayard, "and I cannot think he told
the truth. Believe me, the committee's report will tear Northern
Consolidated to pieces. The market has been exceedingly strong since the
beginning of the year. He will watch, and plump in that adverse report
the moment general prices show a weakness."

Richard, while taken by the reasoning of Mr. Bayard, was not convinced.
However, he asked Mr. Bayard what might be done.

"Remembering always," said Richard, "that the one purpose I have in view
is the overthrow of Storri."

"Every member of that pool," returned Mr. Bayard, "has made himself fair
game. A pool is like a declaration of war against the world; the pool
itself would tell you so. And speaking of the pool, you understand that
the eight are bound together like a fagot. You can't break one without
breaking all; if Storri fall, Mr. Harley, Senator Hanway, and the others
fall."

Richard could not forbear a smile as he recalled how Mrs. Hanway-Harley
had said that her only objection to him was his lack of riches, and how,
should his fortune one day mend and measure up with Mr. Harley's,
Dorothy and he might wed. The peculiar humor of those possibilities
which the situation offered began to address itself to Richard. Was not
here a chance to remove Mrs. Hanway-Harley's objection?

"Since they are open game," said Richard, "I see no reason why the whole
octagonal combination should not be wiped out. Indeed, there might be a
distinct advantage in it," he concluded, thinking on Dorothy.

"There would be a distinct advantage of several millions in it,"
returned Mr. Bayard, who was thinking on dollars and cents. Then, as
might one who, having decided, takes the first step in a great
enterprise: "Where, by the way, are those millions that were left by
Dudley Storms?"

"They are where you may put your hand upon them," returned Richard, "in
any hunting of this vermin Storri."

The eyes of Mr. Bayard began to glitter and light up like the windows of
a palace on the evening of a ball.

"I fancy," said he, "that I shall go with you for this Storri's
destruction."

"I shall put the matter wholly into your hands. It is a game of which I
know nothing but the name."

"The game is not difficult; it is mere purse-matching."

"How much of a fund will you req