On the way down-stairs he met Al Hayman, who asked him where he was going.
"I am going over to lease the Union Square Theater," he replied.
"That's foolish," said Hayman. "Everything theatrical is going up-town."
"Well," answered Harris, "C. F. wants a theater, and I am determined that he shall have it, so I am going over to get the Union Square."
"If you and Frohman want a theater that badly, I will build one for you," he responded.
"Where?" asked Harris.
"I've got some lots at Fortieth and Broadway, and it's a good site, even if it is away up-town."
They went back to Frohman's office, and here was hatched the plan for the Empire Theater.
"I can't go ahead on this matter without Rich," said Harris.
"All right," said Frohman. "Wire Rich."