He was sure that when it came to the necessity of annexing his property the North and West Chicago Street Railways would be obliged to pay through the nose.
"Well, I'll be cussed," he frequently observed to himself, for he could not see how his exaction of a pound of flesh was to be evaded, and yet he felt strangely restless at times.

Finally, when it became absolutely necessary for Cowperwood to secure without further delay this coveted strip, he sent for its occupant, who called in pleasant anticipation of a profitable conversation; this should be worth a small fortune to him.
"Mr.Purdy," observed Cowperwood, glibly, "you have a piece of land on the other side of the river that I need.

Why don't you sell it to me?
Can't we fix this up now in some amicable way ?" He smiled while Purdy cast shrewd, wolfish glances about the place, wondering how much he could really hope to exact.

The building, with all its interior equipment, land, and all, was worth in the neighborhood of two hundred thousand dollars.
"Why should I sell?
The building is a good building.

It's as useful to me as it would be to you.