There is talk of combining these suburbs with Chicago, as you know, which would allow these three down-town franchises to become mutually operative with our own.

This makes it essential for us to do one of several things, as you may see--either to sell out on the best terms we can now, or to continue the fight at a rather heavy expense without making any attempt to strike back, or to get into the city council and ask for a franchise to do business in the down-town section--a general blanket franchise to sell gas in Chicago alongside of the old companies--with the sole intention of protecting ourselves, as one of my officers is fond of saying," added Cowperwood, humorously.
McKenty smiled again.

"I see," he said.

"Isn't that a rather large order, though, Mr.Cowperwood, seeking a new franchise?
Do you suppose the general public would agree that the city needs an extra gas company?
It's true the old companies haven't been any too generous.

My own gas isn't of the best." He smiled vaguely, prepared to listen further.
"Now, Mr.McKenty, I know that you are a practical man," went on Cowperwood, ignoring this interruption, "and so am I.