Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-31
CHAPTER XIV.
The Last Council of War


were present. besides the mentioned, Van Slyke
and Mcdonald. Rutherford, Connell. Habberley
Munson representing the allies. and the Mayor. When
Hadane arrived, he found the others already assem-
bled
"Well?" asked Callahan as soon as ali had en-
He's found it out and he's going to do it
Il Found out what and going to do what: asked
Rutherford
'Gormly has got onto us Mr.. Rutherford
Callahans reply, The boss realized instantly that
Haldane had failed to postpone the disclosure.
He's found out the secret history of the Gotham
Freight Traction Company. He's found out that
YOU and Mr. Haldane and Mr.. Van Slyke and Mr..
Mcdonald and the rest of you belong to the ring
that has been running things He's found out how
MANY public utilities and control He's
found out the whole blooming history; where we get
our money, how spend it.
And who the traitor that betrayed you?".
asked Munson fercely.
I'D like to know answered Callahan, his jaws
clamping together.
Il don't imagine anybody betrayed us" said
Rutherford. We've known all along that the thing
bound to get out sooner later If it had been
later, it wouldn't have made any difference; but
now Is he going to publish it,:
q" He is, answered Haldane.
When?" demanded Van Slyke.
Tomorrow. 1t will be in every paper in the city
except own.
Great Cod exclaimed Connell IF we could
only it off for three days Give three days,
and"
Il thought you were going to hold it off for that
II tried" answered Hadane brokenlv Il saw
him this afternoon. l used every influence at my
command for delay.
And couldn't you do anything with HIM
Nothing.
Damn him gritted the boss through his teeth
Did you bid for him. questioned the Chief of
Police
Haldane nodded.
Did you go high enough" asked Munson
:" went so high, said the man, that his refusal
covered me with worse shame than the publication
will do
What did you offer him? asked the Street Com
Never mind what offered him." returned Hal
dane 1T all that had
We'll, / don't know what can do said Cal
1ahan, but grin and take it,
. 1t means ruin, ruin!' answered Haldane.
Absolute utter!" echoed Van Slvke
oh, don't think 1t IS as bad as that. returned
the boss 1T will make it harder than ever to pull
Even if we win the election said Haldane, my
reputation my character
You amt got any character to lose said Callahan
brutaly, ANY more than l have Might as we'll be
honest in facing the situation OF course YOUR repu-
tation is bound to suffer- but YOU big enough and
rich enough to live that down We've just got to
swallow it. that's all, and redouble our efforts
Haldane groaned.
Il sympathize with YOU Haldane." said Ruther
ford; but what Callahan says comes pretty near
being the truth.
Gents, hear me-" burst out Connell Il can't
- throw any light on this situation don't see anv
way of keeping this out of the papers unless we
could burn up the plants close EN- down some
way,-which Id like to have the job of doing But we
amt beat yet. This high and mighty flyer posing
as he seems, and in three days from now l expect
he Il be crawling on his knees to all. Oh, if I'd
only found out week ago, we'd had him cold!'
Found out what
This man that's posing as an angel of virtue be-
fore the people of New York and talking reform and
so on is an adulterer, thief, and a self confessed
murderer"
What" roared the men present You're
dreaming You re mad"