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“You keep referring to Europe”

“You’ve described a criminal who needs to raise extraordinary amounts of capital in strictest secrecy Where could he turn to but Europe for his money? And it’s where he will hide in the end I recommend you use Van Dorn’s European connections to run down his bankers In thewhat bushes I can”

“Thank you, Father” Isaac clasped his hand “You’ve brought this case to life”

“Where are you going?”

Isaac was striding toward the hall “Back to the cutoff as fast as I can He’ll keep attacking until Hennessy topples”

“But there’ll be no fast trains this late”

“I’ll charter a special to Albany and join a Chicago flyer”

His father hurried with him to the door, helped him into his coat, and stood in the foyer as his son dashed into the night

“When I can return,” Isaac called over his shoulder, “there’s someone I want you to meet”

“I’an’s acquaintance”

Bell stopped short Was that the flicker of the gas lamps or a twinkle in his father’s eye?

“You know? You’ve heard?”

“My sources are unanimous: ‘Your son,’ they tell me, ‘is a lucky man’”

ANOTHER LATE-AUTUMN PACIFIC STORM was blowing hard while Ja This one took place in a chilly Santa Barbara hall rented from the Elks Rain lashed the ind whipped the trees and spattered wet leaves on the glass But the speaker was inspired and the audience enthusiastic, expecting salty passion fronarly, red-faced “Captain” Willy Abrams, Cape Horn clippermaster, shipwreck survivor, and reformed drunkard

“That alcohol is not nutritious …” Captain Willy thundered “That it awakens a general and unhealthy physical excitement… That it hardens the tissues of the brainis proven by every scientific analysis Ask any ship’s officer what makes mutineers His answer? Alcohol Ask a police officer what makes criminals His answer? Alcohol Ask the prison warden Alcohol And think of the expense! How race the kitchen table with thehomes could that money build? Why, that money could even pay off the entire National Debt!”