For all you can tell, you may have a really big
proposition that's been overlooked in the shuffle. What was that you
said about the survey?"
And Montague told in detail the story of the aborted plan for an
extension, and of his hunting trip, and what he had learned on it.
"Of course," said the Major, "you are in the heart of the thing
right now. The Steel people balked your plan."
"How do you mean?" asked the other.
"They bought up the survey. And they've probably controlled your
railroad ever since, and kept it down."
"But that's impossible! They've had nothing to do with it."
"Bah!" said the Major. "How could you know?"
"I know the president," said Montague. "He's an old friend of the
family's."
"Yes," was the reply. "But suppose they have a mortgage on his
business?"
"But why not buy the road and be done with it?" added Montague, in
perplexity.
The other laughed. "I am reminded of a famous saying of
Wyman's,--'Why should I buy stock when I can buy directors?'"
"It's those same people who are watching you now," he continued,
after a pause.
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