angry, Banneker nevertheless laughed, "Then the story
is no use?"

"Not to us, certainly. Miss Thornborough almost wept over it. She said
that you would undoubtedly sell it to The Bon Vivant and be damned
forever."

"Thank her on my behalf," returned the other gravely. "If The Bon Vivant
wants it and will pay for it, I shall certainly sell it to them."

"Out of pique?... Hold hard, young sir! You can't shoot an editor in his
sanctum because of an ill-advised but natural question."

"True enough. Nor do I want--well, yes; I would rather like to."

"Good! That's natural and genuine."

"What do you think The Bon Vivant would pay for that story?" inquired
Banneker.

"Perhaps a hundred dollars. Cheap, for a career, isn't it!"

"Isn't the assumption that there is but one pathway to the True Art and
but one signboard pointing to it a little excessive?"

"Abominably. There are a thousand pathways, broad and narrow. They all
go uphill.... Some day when you spin something out of your own inside,
Mr. Banneker, forgive the well-meaning editor and let us see it. It
might be pure silk."

All the way downtown, Banneker cursed inwardly but brilliantly. This was
his first set-back. Everything prior which he had attempted had been
successful. Inevitably the hard, firm texture of his inner endurance had
softened under the spoiled-child treatment which the world had readily
accorded him. Even while he recognized this, he sulked.

To some extent he was cheered up by a letter from the editor of that
lively and not too finicky publication, Tittle-Tattle. The interview
with Miss Raleigh was acclaimed with almost rapturous delight. It was
precisely the sort of thing wanted. Proof had already been sent to Miss
Raleigh, who was equally pleased. Would Mr. Banneker kindly read and
revise enclosed proof and return it as soon as possible? Mr. Banneker
did better than that. He took back the corrected proof in person. The
editor was most cordial, until Banneker inquired what price was to be
paid for the interview. Then the editor was surprised and grieved. It
appeared that he had not expected to pay anything for it.

"Do you expect to get copy for nothing?" inquired the astonished and
annoyed Banneker.

"If it comes to that," retorted the sharp-featured young man at the
editorial desk, "you're the one that's getting something for nothing."

"I don't follow you."

"Come off! This is red-hot advertising matter for Betty Raleigh, and you