"What object
would there be," he asked, "in keeping the fact a secret--I mean
that Price was Waterman's agent?"
"Object!" exclaimed Bates. "Good Heavens, and with the public half
crazy about monopolies, and the President making such a fight! If it
were known that the Steel Trust had gathered in its last big
competitor, you can't tell what the Government might do!"
"I see," said Montague. "And how long has this been?"
"Four years," was the reply; "all they're waiting for is some
occasion like this, when they can put the Company in a hole, and
pose as benefactors in taking it over."
"I see," said Montague, again.
"Listen," said Bates, and leaned out of the window. He could catch
faintly the sounds of a deep voice in the consultation room.
"W-a-t-e-r-m-a-n," spelled Rodney.
"I guess business has begun," whispered Bates.
"Situation intolerable," spelled Rodney. "End wildcat banking."
"That means end of opposition to me," was the other's comment.
"Duval assents," continued Rodney.
The two in the window were on edge by this time.
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