CHAPTER XVI.
WHICH GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF A VOLUNTARY AND AN INVOLUNTARY VISIT OF SAM YATES TO NUMBER NINE.
Mr.Belcher followed up the acquaintance which he had so happily made on New Year's Day with many of the leading operators of Wall street, during the remainder of the winter, and, by the careful and skillful manipulation of the minor stocks of the market, not only added to his wealth by sure and steady degrees, but built up a reputation for sagacity and boldness.

He struck at them with a strong hand, and gradually became a recognized power on 'Change.

He knew that he would not be invited into any combinations until he had demonstrated his ability to stand alone.

He understood that he could not win a leading position in any of the great financial enterprises until he had shown that he had the skill to manage them.

He was playing for two stakes--present profit and future power and glory; and he played with brave adroitness.
During the same winter the work at Number Nine went on according to contract.