Cowperwood decided to have this studio watched.
There was in Cowperwood's employ at this time a young newspaper man, an ambitious spark aged twenty-six, by the name of Francis Kennedy.

He had written a very intelligent article for the Sunday Inquirer, describing Cowperwood and his plans, and pointing out what a remarkable man he was.

This pleased Cowperwood.

When Kennedy called one day, announcing smartly that he was anxious to get out of reportorial work, and inquiring whether he couldn't find something to do in the street-railway world, Cowperwood saw in him a possibly useful tool.
"I'll try you out as secretary for a while," he said, pleasantly.
"There are a few special things I want done.

If you succeed in those, I may find something else for you later." Kennedy had been working for him only a little while when he said to him one day: "Francis, did you ever hear of a young man by the name of Forbes Gurney in the newspaper world ?" They were in Cowperwood's private office.
"No, sir," replied Francis, briskly.
"You have heard of an organization called the Garrick Players, haven't you ?" "Yes, sir." "Well, Francis, do you suppose you could undertake a little piece of detective work for me, and handle it intelligently and quietly ?" "I think so," said Francis, who was the pink of perfection this morning in a brown suit, garnet tie, and sard sleeve-links.