“I don’t believe you can do anything for me, Mr. Mollenhauer,” replied Cowperwood, a little tartly, “unless you are willing to deal quite frankly with me.  I am not a beginner in politics in Philadelphia.  I know something about the powers in command.  I thought that you could stop any plan to prosecute me in this matter, and give me time to get on my feet again.  I am not any more criminally responsible for that sixty thousand dollars than I am for the five hundred thousand dollars that I had as loan before it—­not as much so.  I did not create this panic.  I did not set Chicago on fire.  Mr. Stener and his friends have been reaping some profit out of dealing with me.  I certainly was entitled to make some effort to save myself after all these years of service, and I can’t understand why I should not receive some courtesy at the hands of the present city administration, after I have been so useful to it.  I certainly have kept city loan at par; and as for Mr. Stener’s money, he has never wanted for his interest on that, and more than his interest.”

“Quite so,” replied Mollenhauer, looking Cowperwood in the eye steadily and estimating the force and accuracy of the man at their real value.  “I understand exactly how it has all come about, Mr. Cowperwood.  No doubt Mr. Stener owes you a debt of gratitude, as does the remainder of the city administration.  I’m not saying what the city administration ought or ought not do.  All I know is that you find yourself wittingly or unwittingly in a dangerous situation, and that public sentiment in some quarters is already very strong against you.  I personally have no feeling one way or the other, and if it were not for the situation itself, which looks to be out of hand, would not be opposed to assisting you in any reasonable way.  But how?  The Republican party is in a very bad position, so far as this election is concerned.  In a way, however innocently, you have helped to put it there, Mr. Cowperwood.  Mr. Butler, for some reason to which I am not a party, seems deeply and personally incensed.  And Mr. Butler is a great power here—­” (Cowperwood began to wonder whether by any chance Butler had indicated the nature of his social offense against himself, but he could not bring himself to believe that.  It was not probable.) “I sympathize with you greatly, Mr. Cowperwood, but what I suggest is that you first See Mr. Butler and Mr. Simpson.  If they agree to any program of aid, I will not be opposed to joining.  But apart from that I do not know exactly what I can do.  I am only one of those who have a slight say in the affairs of Philadelphia.”

At this point, Mollenhauer rather expected Cowperwood to make an offer of his own holdings, but he did not.  Instead he said, “I’m very much obliged to you, Mr. Mollenhauer, for the courtesy of this interview.  I believe you would help me if you could.  I shall just have to fight it out the best way I can.  Good day.”

And he bowed himself out.  He saw clearly how hopeless was his quest.