But if I had the right sort of a young man--I've been looking into your record, by the way, never fear--he might handle a number of little things--investments and loans--which might bring us each a little somethin'.

Sometimes the young men around town ask advice of me in one way and another--they have a little somethin' to invest, and so--" He paused and looked tantalizingly out of the window, knowing full well Cowperwood was greatly interested, and that this talk of political influence and connections could only whet his appetite.

Butler wanted him to see clearly that fidelity was the point in this case--fidelity, tact, subtlety, and concealment.
"Well, if you have been looking into my record," observed Cowperwood, with his own elusive smile, leaving the thought suspended.
Butler felt the force of the temperament and the argument.

He liked the young man's poise and balance.

A number of people had spoken of Cowperwood to him.