All I wrote you was that I proposed to control the stock of Amalgamated Electric and that I wished your advice in the matter." "I could not give you any advice off-hand on such an extraordinary suggestion," returned Quarrier coldly.

"If you know where the stock is, you'll understand." "Do you mean what it is quoted at, or who owns it ?" interrupted Plank.
"Who owns it.

Everybody knows where it has dropped to, I suppose.

Most people know, too, where it is held." "Yes; I do." "And who is manipulating it," added Quarrier indifferently.
"Do you mean Harrington's people ?" "I don't mean anybody in particular, Mr.Plank." "Oh!" said Plank, staring, "I was sure you couldn't have meant Harrington; because," he went on deliberately, "there are other theories floating about that mysterious pool, one of which I've proved." Quarrier looked at him out of his velvety-lidded eyes: "What have you proved ?" "I'll tell you, if you'll appoint an interview." "I'll come too," began Belwether, who had been listening, loose-mouthed and intent; "we're all in it--Howard, Kemp Ferrall, and I--" "And Stephen Siward," observed Plank, so quietly that Quarrier never even raised his eyes to read the stolid face opposite.
Presently he said: "Do you know anybody who can deliver you any considerable block of Amalgamated Electric at the market figures ?" "I could deliver you several blocks, if you care to bid," said Plank bluntly.
Belwether grew red, then pale.

Quarrier stiffened in his chair, but his eyes were only sceptical.