ll not keep me from it."

"You yourself have made its attainment impossible."

"Next to you, I am the one man most competent to conduct the affairs of
the Consolidated Companies. You yourself have trained me to be your
successor. The committee know this, and they also know that with me at
the head, the Companies will be run as they wish it. They are eager to
have the change, and only fear your influence against the corporation if
they force you out."

"All that may have been true, Covington, in the past. Not one of them
would trust you now."

"They know nothing which reflects upon my character, and they must not
know. You and they can never continue together,--it is hopeless to
expect a compromise. I am the only man who can hold these forces
together, and you must give me this chance."

Gorham could only believe that the excitement which controlled Covington
had affected him to the extent of irresponsibility, and his unusual
manner heightened the impression.

"I see no reason to continue this interview," he said shortly. "You
speak of what must and shall happen when the shaping of events has
already passed from your control."

"You think it has, Mr. Gorham; but that is where the gambler's chance
comes in. It is a desperate chance, and it is one which I could never
have believed myself capable of taking. It simply shows how far a man
will go when forced against the wall."

"I am tiring of this play-acting," protested Gorham. "If you have
anything to say, say it, or else leave me to devote my time to matters
which require it."

Covington hesitated even then. The weapon was an ugly one to handle, and
there were elements in him which rebelled. Slowly he drew the bulky
paper from his pocket, not meeting Gorham's steady gaze.

"More affidavits?" asked Gorham. "What is the nature of them this time?"

"I am more keenly aware of how despicable this is than you will give me
credit," he said. "I have lived among gentlemen long enough to recognize
that to those who know of this, my act separates me from the society of
which I have been a part. But I have chosen. With the wealth and power
which this will bring me, I can buy back what now I seem to forfeit."

He placed the papers in Mr. Gorham's hands, turning his pale face away,
and drumming nervously on the arm of his chair with his fingers. The
minutes seemed hours, and when he turned, he found Gorham's penetrating
eye fixed firmly upon him. He had counted on the str