"I think I know," he said, after a few moments' reflection, "who is behind it, General; but don't let that worry you.

They can't harm us if they do unite.
They're bound to sell out to us or buy us out eventually." Still it irritated him to think that Schryhart had succeeded in persuading the old companies to combine on any basis; he had meant to have Addison go shortly, posing as an outside party, and propose this very thing.

Schryhart, he was sure, had acted swiftly following their interview.

He hurried to Addison's office in the Lake National.
"Have you heard the news ?" exclaimed that individual, the moment Cowperwood appeared.

"They're planning to combine.