His first move, he decided, would be to go at once to Stener’s house and demand the loan of an additional three or four hundred thousand dollars.  Stener had always been very tractable, and in this instance would see how important it was that his shortage of half a million should not be made public.  Then he must get as much more as possible.  But where to get it?  Presidents of banks and trust companies, large stock jobbers, and the like, would have to be seen.  Then there was a loan of one hundred thousand dollars he was carrying for Butler.  The old contractor might be induced to leave that.  He hurried to his home, secured his runabout, and drove rapidly to Stener’s.

As it turned out, however, much to his distress and confusion, Stener was out of town—­down on the Chesapeake with several friends shooting ducks and fishing, and was not expected back for several days.  He was in the marshes back of some small town.  Cowperwood sent an urgent wire to the nearest point and then, to make assurance doubly sure, to several other points in the same neighborhood, asking him to return immediately.  He was not at all sure, however, that Stener would return in time and was greatly nonplussed and uncertain for the moment as to what his next step would be.  Aid must be forthcoming from somewhere and at once.

Suddenly a helpful thought occurred to him.  Butler and Mollenhauer and Simpson were long on local street-railways.  They must combine to support the situation and protect their interests.  They could see the big bankers, Drexel & Co. and Cooke & Co., and others and urge them to sustain the market.  They could strengthen things generally by organizing a buying ring, and under cover of their support, if they would, he might sell enough to let him out, and even permit him to go short and make something—­a whole lot.  It was a brilliant thought, worthy of a greater situation, and its only weakness was that it was not absolutely certain of fulfillment.

He decided to go to Butler at once, the only disturbing thought being that he would now be compelled to reveal his own and Stener’s affairs.  So reentering his runabout he drove swiftly to the Butler home.

When he arrived there the famous contractor was at dinner.  He had not heard the calling of the extras, and of course, did not understand as yet the significance of the fire.  The servant’s announcement of Cowperwood brought him smiling to the door.

“Won’t you come in and join us?  We’re just havin’ a light supper.  Have a cup of coffee or tea, now—­do.”

“I can’t,” replied Cowperwood.  “Not to-night, I’m in too much of a hurry.  I want to see you for just a few moments, and then I’ll be off again.  I won’t keep you very long.”