Even this tiny nibbling at its business must be stopped.

It took action quickly and organized the "American Speaking-Telephone Company," with $300,000 capital, and with three electrical inventors, Edison, Gray, and Dolbear, on its staff.

With all the bulk of its great wealth and prestige, it swept down upon Bell and his little bodyguard.

It trampled upon Bell's patent with as little concern as an elephant can have when he tramples upon an ant's nest.

To the complete bewilderment of Bell, it coolly announced that it had "the only original telephone," and that it was ready to supply "superior telephones with all the latest improvements made by the original inventors--Dolbear, Gray, and Edison." The result was strange and unexpected.