"H'm, that's it, now. But where to lay me finger on the right man. 'Tis a risk to run—with a yooung fire-brand like Ford holding the other end iv the string."
"Still I think the man can be found. But first we must make sure of your contract, with or without Ford. Your suggestion about taking the matter up with Mr. Colbrith in person strikes me favorably. Can you spare the time to go to New York?"
"Sure I can."
"At once?"
"The wan minute for sthriking is whin the iron's hot, Misther North."
The general manager put aside the thick file of papers he had been examining when MacMorrogh entered, and began to set his desk in order.
"I have been thinking I might make it convenient to go with you. I presume you have no objection to going as my guest in the Naught-Seven?"
"'Tis an honor you're doing me, Misther North, and I'll not be forgetting it."
"Not at all. There are some matters connected with this contract that I'd like to talk over with you privately, and if we can agree upon them, I may be able to help you with Mr. Colbrith and the executive committee."
The general manager pressed one of the electric buttons on the side of the desk, and to the clerk who answered gave a brief order: "Have the Naught-Seven provisioned and made up to go east as a special at twelve-ten to-day. Tell Despatcher Darby to make the schedule fast—nineteen hours or less to the River."