“If anything! Great Scott! isn't it enough that—Let me hear what they report—on the instant!”

“Yes, sir.”

“And, McWayne—” He hesitated.

McWayne, his face full of sincere solicitude, prompted, gently:

“Yes, chief?”

It was the first time he had ever used that word. It made his speech so friendly, so affectionately personal, that E. H. Merriwether said:

“Thank you, McWayne. I wish you would find out for me at once who lives in 777 Fifth Avenue.”

“Yes, sir,” said McWayne. “That's where—” He caught himself. .

“I am afraid so!” acquiesced the railroad czar, listlessly.

VIII