A mandamus proceeding, however futile, would give the newspapers great opportunity for chatter; moreover, a city election was drawing near.

However, McKenty and Cowperwood were by no means helpless.

They had offices, jobs, funds, a well-organized party system, the saloons, the dives, and those dark chambers where at late hours ballot-boxes are incontinently stuffed.
Did Cowperwood share personally in all this?
Not at all.

Or McKenty?
No.

In good tweed and fine linen they frequently conferred in the offices of the Chicago Trust Company, the president's office of the North Chicago Street Railway System, and Mr.Cowperwood's library.