He knew well that this was no idle threat.

He was well aware that Ryder and his associates by the sheer weight of the enormous wealth they controlled could sell out or destroy any industrial corporation in the land.

It was plainly illegal, but it was done every day, and his company was not the first victim nor the last.

Desperate, he appealed humbly to the tyrannical Money Power: "Don't drive us to the wall, Mr.Ryder.This forced sale will mean disaster to us all.

Put yourself in our place--think what it means to scores of families whose only support is the income from their investment in our company." "Mr.Herts," replied Ryder unmoved, "I never allow sentiment to interfere with business.