Nevada was rolling a cigarette.
He glanced up at me, his eyes smiling. McAllister sat quietly next to him.
Haskell and Commack were silent.
I waited for the silence to grow heavy. It did.
I didn't have to be told who were my friends.
"Do you have any suggestions, gentlemen?" I asked.
Commack looked up at me.
"Do you?"
"I thought so yesterday," I said.
"But I slept on it and this morning I came to the conclusion that it's a pretty big nut to crack for someone with my experience."
For the first time that morning, Haskell, Commack and Denby brightened.
They exchanged quick looks.
Commack spoke up.
"That's pretty sensible of you, son," he said.
"What about Judge Haskell here?
He's retired from the bench but I think he might take the job on to help you out."
I turned to the Judge.
"Would you, Judge?"
The Judge smiled slowly.
"Only to help you out, boy," he said. "Only to help you out"
I looked over at Nevada.
He was smiling broadly now.
I smiled back at him, then turned to the others.
"Shall we vote on it, gentlemen?"
For the first time, Denby spoke up. "According to the charter of this company, a president can only be elected by a meeting of the stockholders.
And then only by a majority of the stock outstanding."
"Let's have a stockholder's meeting, then," Commack said. "The majority of stock is represented here."
"That's a good idea," I said. I turned to the Judge, smiling. "That is if I can vote my stock," I added.
"You sure can, boy," the Judge boomed, taking a paper from his pocket and handing it to me. "It's there in your father's will. I had it admitted to probate this morning.
It's all legally yours now."
I took the will and continued.
"All right, then, the director's meeting is adjourned and the stockholder's meeting is called to order.
The first item on the agenda is to elect a president and treasurer of the company to replace the late Jonas Cord."
Commack smiled.
"I nominate Judge Samuel Haskell."
Denby spoke quickly. Too quickly. "Second the nomination."
I nodded.
"The nomination of Judge Haskell is noted.
Any further nominations before the slate is closed?"
Nevada got to his feet.
"I nominate Jonas Cord, Junior," he drawled.
I smiled at him.
"Thank you." I turned to the Judge and my voice went hard and flat.
"Do I hear the nomination seconded?"
The Judge's face was flushed.
He glanced at Commack, then at Denby.
Denby's face was white.
"Do I hear the nomination seconded?" I repeated coldly.
He knew I had them.
"Second the nomination," the Judge said weakly.