I am not their owner, in the sense that I have provided all or even a good part of the money invested in them.

I am not even their manager, except in a very general way.

I might better be called their promoter and guardian; but I am that for other people and myself." Mr.McKenty nodded.
"Now, Mr.McKenty, it was not very long after I started out to get franchises to do business in Lake View and Hyde Park before I found myself confronted by the interests which control the three old city gas companies.

They were very much opposed to our entering the field in Cook County anywhere, as you may imagine, although we were not really crowding in on their field.

Since then they have fought me with lawsuits, injunctions, and charges of bribery and conspiracy." "I know," put in Mr.McKenty.