"She's a mighty fine girl," said Peter. "What does Monroe draw from that incident?" "That Winthrope has inclinations toward her." "And her father?" asked Peter. "He permits it." "Why don't young Cobb push his suit?" asked Peter. "Oh, she would never have anything to do with him." "Why doesn't he get Winthrope out of the way!" exclaimed Peter. "He is laying the ropes to ensnare him," said Welty, showing his teeth like a grinning dog, and flashing his green eyes. "What else?" asked Peter, ceasing to rub his hands, and looking up at Welty with some anxiety. "There's going to be a strike on all the papers," replied Welty. "Oh, that's all fixed up," said Peter, with consuming pride (judging from the speed he rubbed his hands). "The police have instructions to arrest every dog of them so soon as they step out of their jobs. What else?" "An extra levy has been made on the red-lighters," replied Welty. "Good!" exploded Peter. "Tell Monroe to watch out for flurries among them." "They will all come through." "Hah, I thought Jacob would bring them to time," whispered Peter. "How's he coming with his new company?" "He'll have a million to float in a week." "Why didn't he make it ten?" asked Peter. "He's afraid the people are getting weary with so much stock already on the market." "The coal combine went," said Peter, smiling. "But that was the project of the other gang," said Welty. "Well, I got my tribute, as well as Jacob, for our little assistance," he answered, with more fierce rubbing. "Ah, they will all pay--that is, the big ones." "Some of the little ones, too, eh?" said Peter. "Where do I come in, Peter?" suddenly asked Welty. This question caused Peter to look up quickly, with a leer. "You're not showing the white feather?" asked Peter. "No, no; but I need some money." "How much?" "A thousand." "I will have Jacob see you," returned Peter. Then Welty departed. He found Eli where he had left him, unconscious, with some customers standing about waiting for the young man to take his own good time about rising. The customers had come into the store, and when they saw Eli lying on the floor, remarked among themselves that he was taking an afternoon's nap. When one of them sought to arouse him, they became alarmed as to what might have happened, for Eli would not rouse himself. So they were standing about him in contemplation when Welty came out of Peter's office. Welty glanced at Eli obliquely, as if deigning to stoop so low as to lend aid to his victim, brushed past the onlookers, and made his exit by the front door.