The second visitor was younger.  Mr. Tarring was also a specialist in ideas and from his confidence of bearing one seemed to derive a snap of electric energy.  In many ways Hamilton Burton found him serviceable and on the smaller scale of his delegated functions he operated as Hamilton himself did along the broader front; with dash, determination and the belief that nothing is impossible.

“Gentlemen,” began Burton crisply, when the three were seated, “I sent for you this evening to outline a simple matter—­but one calling for a nicety of execution.  It can neither afford delay nor premature undertaking.  It must be done at its own instant.  When the stock-holders’ meeting of Coal and Ore is called to order I must be in a position to assume control.”

Tarring leaned forward in his chair and fixed his gaze on a bronze statuette.  This casual announcement meant nothing less than a making over of a map:  the map of High Finance.  Ruferton was never surprised.  He twirled his shell-rimmed glasses at the end of their broad tape and nodded.  “And you find yourself at this juncture short of just the requisite balance—­though you know where it is held?” Mr. Ruferton always made a point of anticipating his client’s next statement—­if possible.  It was a small thing, but at times valuable.  It indicated that he was keeping not only abreast, but a step ahead of what was being told him.  Hamilton smiled.

“I still need a block held by Henry of the Deposit Savings and a block held by Fairley of the Metallic National.  These gentlemen think they won’t turn loose.  To see that they do so is Tarring’s work.  It must be accomplished by tomorrow evening.”

Tarring said nothing.  Under his imperturbable guise he found himself stunned.

Burton turned to the attorney.  “You know G.K.  Hendricks?”

Mr. Ruferton’s answer followed the question with no margin of a pause.  “State senator for three terms.  At present candidate for the appellate bench; Tammany’s choice.  Was very valuable when the charter of Coal and Ore was before the assembly.  Has increased his stock-holdings since he acquired his first block as—­er—­the reward of merit.”

For an instant Hamilton Burton eyed the lawyer keenly.

“I must also have his proxy by tomorrow evening.  That, Ruferton, is your work.”

“Then you didn’t know that Hendricks is up-state?  He’s out at his farm on a narrow-gage branch that runs a train a day from Barry Spa.  You are cutting it fine, Mr. Burton.  Too fine, perhaps.”

The announcement brought to the eyes of the planning strategist a nonplused shadow, but it lingered briefly.

“I have already told you that the moment had to be precisely timed.  Hendricks might run to Malone if given a margin of leisure.  You can go home and change your evening-clothes.  Meantime I shall arrange for a special train.  Your instructions are to get that stock or the proxy.  If you can’t handle him bring him to me; have him in this room at this hour tomorrow evening.”