" His wolfish smile bared the tusks for a moment. "I find myself not
so young as I was. The great work I have started is well under way. I must
trust its completion to younger and stronger
hands than mine. I intend to rest, to devote myself to my home, more
directly to such philanthropic and educational work as God has committed to
my hands."
The Westerner gave him look for look, his eyes burning to get over the
impasse of the expressionless mask no man had ever penetrated. He began
to see why nobody had ever understood Harley. He knew there would be no
rest for that consuming energy this side of the grave. Yet the man talked
as if he believed his own glib lies.
"Consolidated is the watchword of the age; it means elimination of ruinous
competition, and consequent harmony and reduced expense in management. Mr.
Ridgway, may I count you with us? Together we should go far. Do you say
peace or war?"
The younger man rose, leaning forward with his strong, sinewy hands
gripping the table. His face was pale with the repression of a rage that
had been growing intense.
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