"Now, here's the situation in a nutshell. If I could weather this depression a year, six months, or if there had been no depression, but normal times, I would be able to swing a deal and clear out at over one hundred millions-- I gambled big. It was in me--fated-- I had to sink or swim on a big stake. If I'd have won out, I'd have been among the kings of the country. That's what I wanted--not money. It's the poker in my blood. However. Here's the case: I made money, as you know--a great deal of money. I was worth considerable after the Indiana Smelters got going. I was worth ten millions more when I had sold back Pittsburgh & New Orleans. That was the crisis. I wanted to get in with the inner crowd--not simply to be a buccaneer, for that's about what I'd been. That's why they bought their old railroad back. I was rated a dangerous man. I was. So is every man dangerous till he gets what he wants. I went to Gunther and laid my cards on the table. Gunther's a big man, the only man I'd have done it to, but he has one fault--he can hate. The ideal master ought to have no friends and no enemies. I said to Gunther: "'Gunther, let's talk straight. I want to come into the field--on your level--you know what that means. Your word and I'll be satisfied. Am I big enough yet? Do you want me inside or outside the breastworks? Say the word.' "He sat there smiling, listening, gazing out the window. "'I know what I'm asking's a big thing, to forget what I've cost you. It _is_ a lot to ask. But you're big enough to see beyond it. Say the word and I'm yours, through thick and thin, from now on, and I'll lay before you now a campaign as big as anything you handled so far. All I want is your word--is it peace or war!' "That's where he played square. "'I don't forget easily,' he said. "'So that's the answer?' I said. "He nodded. "'I'm sorry. I came to you because you're the only man down here I'm willing to look up to,' I said, for I knew there was no use going on, but as I went out I plumped in a last shot: 'In a year from now I'm going to put the same offer to you, and when I do I'll carry a few more guns.'