Weak and inefficient corporations were already in existence for completing the various connections of the road, and of these he immediately, and for moderate sums, bought the franchises.

Within two months, bonds were issued for building the roads, and the roads themselves were put under contract.

The "terminal facilities" of one end of every contract were faithfully attended to by Mr.Belcher.His pockets were still capacious and absorbent.

He parted with so much of his appreciated stock as he could spare without impairing his control, and so at the end of a few months, found himself in the possession of still another harvest.

Not only this, but he found his power increased.