XIV
Thatcher and Cosden chartered one of the hotel carriages the next morning and started on a tour of inspection over the route plotted out by Duncan for the proposed trolley-line. After passing beyond the town limits, and with the long stretch of superb coral road ahead of them, Thatcher turned to his companion.
"Why can't we get together on the Consolidated Machinery?" he asked pointedly.
"The public demands that your nefarious trust be compelled to recognize its rights," Cosden replied smiling.
"Good!" Thatcher smiled in response. "Now that you have that piffle off your chest, please go on."
"This time we have the goods," Cosden added significantly.
"If you are so sure of it, why don't you show them to us? Then we can tell whether it's a real hold-up or merely an attempt."
"That's just the point, and the sooner your crowd realizes it the less time you will waste. This is not a hold-up game; we have the goods, and we can make a better thing by operating than by selling out."