For a minute the train roared on past suburban stations, under viaducts, through echoing rows of freight cars, and over clattering switches.  We were nearing the metropolis.

“Do you mind telling me if you are alone in this transaction?” he suddenly asked.

“I am.”

“Do you wish to go in with me in this deal?”

“I do!” I replied without hesitation.

“Good!” he said, offering his hand.  “We’ll talk no more of this here.  It’s not safe.  Come with me to my office.”

We reached his private office half an hour before the opening of the Stock Exchange.  In five minutes the machinery of his wonderful system was in operation.  Notes were dictated, messengers hurried away with them, men called, who listened to curt orders and vanished.

An hour passed and he gave orders that no one should be admitted until further notice.

“N.O. & G. is stationary around 59,” he said, offering a cigar.  “The directors meet at noon.  They will pass the dividend.  They think to shake out your 45,000 shares and a lot more in small holdings.  In all I own 35,000 shares, so that together we control 80,000 out of 200,000.  I now propose to show these honourable gentlemen a trick which will give them something to think about for several weeks to come.  I know a gentleman who owns outright 25,000 shares.  He is one of the heads of which you term “the conspiracy”.  It is not a conspiracy, Smith; it is business.  He tried to sell me out and has failed as he will learn in a few minutes.  He will then sell out the men who implicitly trust him, as they would sell him out if they could see a chance to make money out of it.  Do not talk of conspiracies, Smith!  These honourable business gentlemen down here are extremely sensitive, and you should be careful not to hurt their feelings.”

We quickly came to an agreement by which our holdings were pooled.  It was stipulated that he should have entire control of the operations from that time on, and after settling important details I suggested that I go to my broker’s office and await developments.

“There’s nothing you can do here,” he said, as I arose.  “Yes, there is, too,” he added.  “The folks are going to drop in here at about two o’clock.  I’m going to be too busy to bother with them, and I foolishly promised to take them to the gallery of the Stock Exchange.  You’ll be worth more money then than you are now,” he said with a grim smile.  “Take them over and show them how a real sheep-killing looks when the ewes are fat and the knives sharp.”

I promised to call for them at two o’clock, and then went to the office of my brokers.

Carelessly glancing at the quotation opposite the letters N.O. & G., I saw that it had dropped to 56.  The head of the firm approached me and asked me to step into his private office.

[Illustration:  “Business is business”]

“The rumour is strong that the dividend will be passed,” he said.