Let us concentrate on Pennington."
"The entire situation hinges on that jump-crossing of his tracks on
Water Street."
"He doesn't know you plan to cross them, does he?"
"No."
"Then, lad, your job is to get your crossing in before he finds out,
isn't it?"
"Yes, but it is an impossible task, partner. I'm not Aladdin, you
know. I have to have a franchise from the city council, and I have to
have rails."
"Both are procurable, my son. Induce the city council to grant you a
temporary franchise to-morrow, and buy your rails from Pennington. He
has a mile of track running up Laurel Creek, and Laurel Creek was
logged out three years ago. I believe that spur is useless to
Pennington, and the ninety-pound rails are rusting there."
"But will he sell them to me?"
"Not if you tell him why you want them."
"But he hates me, old pal."
"The Colonel never permits sentiment to interfere with business, my
son. He doesn't need the rails, and he does desire your money.
Consider the rail-problem settled."
"How do you stand with the Mayor and the council?"
"I do not stand at all. I opposed Poundstone for the office; Dobbs,
who was appointed to fill a vacancy caused by the death of a
regularly elected councilman, was once a bookkeeper in our office,
you will remember.
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