even reserve my 'code of morals,'
as you are pleased to call it, wholly for myself, considering that it is
a point upon which we fail to agree.

"All that remains, then, is for you gentlemen to give me your assurances
upon one point: namely, that the present basis of profit-sharing with
the public shall not be disturbed. I will no longer put it upon a moral
basis--I insist upon it solely as a business policy. With this one point
established, I will work with you to the extent of such strength and
ability as I have within me, to further the interests of the great
Consolidated Companies as it advances triumphantly along its appointed
path."

"But this is the main contention upon which our split has come,"
protested Litchfield.

"You objected to the stand I took that the public is morally entitled to
an equal division. Personally, I still maintain that this obligation
exists, but now I am endeavoring to convince you that to continue this
is an act of supreme business wisdom. Mr. Litchfield made reference, in
the course of his remarks, to the adverse legislation with which the
Companies is threatened. I am, and have always been, in the closest
touch with the situation, and I tell you, gentlemen, this danger is a
real one. I have seen Senator Kenmore within a few days, and his
information is most alarming. Next week I expect to be in Washington
again to fight the battle not only for the future of the Consolidated
Companies, but for its very life. We have powerful allies, and I believe
that we can win, but, in the words of the Attorney-General himself, only
provided that we can show our hands to be clean in our future intentions
as well as in our present practices."

"Suppose we postpone any action whatever until after the present crisis
in Washington has passed," suggested one of the Directors.

"The action must be taken at once," insisted Gorham. "I told you,
gentlemen, that I had awakened from my Utopian dream. I shall make no
more promises until I am absolutely certain that they will be made good
to the letter."

"How far do you carry this 'Utopian' policy of yours, Mr. Gorham?" asked
Litchfield. "Would you even go so far as to deny the right of any
officer of the corporation to make profit for himself as a result of
inside information gained in his official capacity?"

"Most assuredly."

Covington watched his chief critically as the blow began to fall. What a
crash this idol would make when it fell from its se