"I guess you had better sell some more for me," I said to Dickie. "Sell a thousand to-morrow."
CHAPTER XXVI
VICTORY
The shorts are caught—Big John comes to my office to get terms—An exchange of opinions—An alliance proposed—I reject it—My enemies are flattering—I have arrived
They sent old John Carmichael around to treat with me. He had to come to the office the same as any other man who had a favor to ask. Slocum and I and two or three others who were close to us were there waiting for him, and discussing the terms we should give.
"They must be short in the neighborhood of fifteen thousand shares common and preferred the best we can make out," Slocum reported, after conferring with our brokers. "How did you have the nerve, Van, to run this corner when you knew Dround's stock was loose?"
"It isn't loose," I answered.
"Where is it, then? We know pretty well where every other share is, but his block has dropped out of the market. It was transferred to some New York parties last October."
I smiled tranquilly. There had been no leak in our barrel. Slocum and I had been around to all the other large holders of Meat Products, and I knew they would not go back on us. The Strauss crowd would find the corner invulnerable.