CHAPTER XXVIII
WHEREIN MR. WALLINGFORD JOINS THE LARGEST CLUB IN THE WORLD
The name of Meers was magic. It is quite probable that the magnetic Wallingford would have been able to carry through his proposed consolidation alone; but with the fifth ward alderman to back him his work was easy. A few of the small dealers were afraid of Meers, but they were also afraid to stay out; for the most part, however, they were glad to enter into any combination with him, particularly since it was tacitly understood that this would open up to them the much coveted “ping pong” privilege, an attraction which not only increased the sale of goods but gave an additional hundred per cent. of profit.
The first steps in the incorporation were taken the next day after the interview of Wallingford and Meers, an
