lf-created pedestal!

"Would you criticise an officer of this corporation who invested in
stock about to be acquired by the Companies, thus taking advantage of
the certain rise in value which he knew would come to it?"

"I should consider such an official as absolutely false to his trust. Is
there one of us present who would feel otherwise?"

Litchfield smiled. "There is no one present who does not regret the lack
of friendliness which prevented our president from giving him an equal
chance with himself in the purchase of stock in the New York Street
Railways Company."

Gorham seemed not to comprehend the charge against him. "You will have
to enlighten me further," he said, coldly.

Litchfield drew some papers from his pocket and handed them to Gorham.
"We don't undertake to criticise you for making the most of this
opportunity," he said, "but out of respect to your ridiculous 'code,' we
have ourselves refrained. Next time we shall expect you to give us a
chance too; and, incidentally, don't you think we can now come to a
mutual understanding regarding the morality basis of the Consolidated
Companies?"

"Where did you get these papers?" Gorham demanded.

"From Mr. Brady, who was interested enough to supply us with the sworn
statements which you see here."

"Do you really believe that I invested a penny of my money in that
stock?"

"Come, Gorham, admit that the joke's on you," Litchfield laughed. "Of
course, it was your daughter who did it, and, of course, you knew
nothing about it!--Don't try to hide behind her skirts."

Gorham looked across to where Covington was sitting, pale and unnerved
by the unexpected development. He might have suspected this, but the
remoteness of the chance had as a matter of fact precluded any thought
of the possibility. Gorham started to speak, but checked himself. He
could not bring his daughter's name into this discussion without more
time to consider the situation. Then he turned again to his associates.

"Gentlemen," he said, quietly, "it seems hardly necessary for me to make
this statement, but I wish to put myself on record: I have never
invested one cent of my own money, or any one else's, in any stock whose
value was likely to be affected by the action of the Consolidated
Companies. No one else has ever done so with my knowledge or consent. I
shall have more to say upon this matter when I have had sufficient time
to acquaint myself with all the facts. Until then, I ask th