“How do you mean?” asked the other.
“You went to those politicians and got a franchise that will let you tax the people whatever you please for ninety-nine years. And do you think that was good business for the people?”
There was no reply to this.
“And how much of the property you are protecting was made in such ways as that, sir?”
A frown had come upon Mr. Wygant's forehead. But no one could gaze into Samuel's agonized face and remain angry.
“Young man,” said he. “I can only tell you again that you do not know the world. If I should step out, would things be any different? The franchises would go to some other crowd—that is all. It is the competition of capital.”
“The competition of capital,” reflected the boy. “In other words, there is a scramble for money, and you get what you can!”
“You may put it that way, sir.”
“And you think that your responsibility ends when you've got a share for your crowd!”
“Yes—I suppose that is it.”