"I don't know much about art: that is the work of a man's own two hands. But mine is the work of thousands and thousands, hands and brains. And it can be ruined by a trick of fate." "No, never! You shall have your chance--I promise it--I know! Sit down here and let us go back to the first steps and work it out again carefully." * * * * * So there in the fading twilight of the afternoon was formed the American Meat Products Company. Again and again we went over the companies to be included, the sources of credit, the men to interest, the bankers from whom money might be had. "It is here we must have Mr. Dround's help," I pointed out significantly. She nodded. "When this step is taken, I think he ought to go abroad--he needs the rest. He could leave all else to you, I think." I understood; the corporation once formed, he would drop out. "There might be matters to which he would object--" She translated my vague words. "No one asks, if you _succeed_," she answered tranquilly. And with that observation were settled those troublesome questions of morality which worried Mr. Dround so deeply. As I left I said in homage:-- "If this thing is pulled off, it will be _yours_!" "Oh, no! Mr. Dround doesn't like women to meddle with business. It is all yours, all yours--and I am glad to have it so." Her eyes came back to mine, and she smiled in dismissal. CHAPTER XVI THE STRUGGLE _Hard times--How to make something out of nothing--The problem of finance--Getting help--Cousin Farson--A trip down the coast--Paternal admonition--The beautiful city beside the lake--The last ditch--A strong woman's nonsense--The Drounds sail for Europe--I am in command_ It is not my purpose to recall all the details of the crowded years that followed. From the autumn of '92, when the events that I have just related occurred, through the period of deepening depression in all business and the succeeding era of prosperity, I can do little more than touch here and there upon more vital events. Suffice it to say that we were met at the start with hard times, a period of tight money, which prevented the quick realization of my plan to incorporate the properties that had been gathered together. One way and another the companies were carried along, by issuing notes and securing what financial help could be got, waiting for the favorable time to launch our enterprise. Here Mr. Dround was a strong help: once committed to the undertaking, he persuaded others and used his credit generously. Sometimes he looked back, seeking to retreat from the positions to which he was being forced; but he saw only ruin behind him, and perforce went ahead.