"In the end!" repeated Armstrong, dismayed. "But before April third, at least?"
"Not before April of next year, or the next, or perhaps the year after," declared the lawyer gravely. "You may expect to be attacked most bitterly in every possible quarter. Macgowan may even manage to have that voting trust continued after its expiration, I warn you. But, if I find things as you have related them, we shall ultimately break this man Macgowan. Do you wish to go ahead?"
"Yes," said Armstrong. "Do you wish to handle the case, and also to act as counsel for me in general?"
"I should esteem it a privilege," said Quincy Adams Mansfield. "What is your plan of campaign?"
Until this moment, Armstrong had entertained no plan. But now:
"I'll establish the Armstrong Company in new offices, across the street from Consolidated. I'll open a fight upon the present directorate, as soon as Dorns learns what they're doing. A good many of my own men over there will resign when they discover what's taken place—"
"One moment, please," intervened Mansfield. "Didn't you mention Judge Holcomb as one of your directors?"
"Ostensibly, yes. He has never taken a very active part in affairs. He is elderly, and has rather given up active business."
A singular smile twisted the lawyer's lips.
"I know Judge Holcomb very well, Mr. Armstrong; we are friends of long standing. Old as he is, no man has a more reputable position, and no man can fight harder. I suggest that the entire truth be laid before him at once, and his help invited by you."