"The bill will pass this morning," said the man at the head of the table. "The Governor will sign it immediately."
His certainty silenced them for a moment; but Rivington, whom the outside world pictured as a pirate, was still timid.
"Yes," he said, "but the expense of the city ordinance——"
"Oh, we'll take care of that," grinned Hallett.
"And the cost of construction——"
"I said," repeated the man at the head of the table: "'Always supposing the management observe a proper economy.'"
He settled back in his chair. He seemed to consider the subject closed, and so, presently, did his companions. Within five minutes they had left him, and he was ringing for Rollins.
"Rollins," he said, "take this letter."
The secretary seated himself at the far end of the table.
His employer walked to a window and looked out. His hands were clasped behind him now, and he did not turn his head as he rapidly dictated: