the price of fish. The answer would be
significant of all that the lad wished to know; and if the great firm
of Armstrong & Company had determined to put obstacles in the way of
Topsail, Armstrong, Grimm & Company, even to the point of ruin, there
was no help for Topsail, Armstrong, Grimm & Company. Archie would ask
no quarter.

"Make haste!" Skipper Bill called from the deck of the _Spot Cash_.
"I've no love for this harbour in a gale o' wind."

It was poor shelter at best.

"Much as I can," Archie shouted back.

The boy sent this telegram:

Tilt Cove, August 6.

Armstrong & Company,
St. John's.
Price of fish.

Topsail, Armstrong, Grimm & Company.

There was now nothing to do but wait. Sir Archibald would be in his
little office overlooking his wharves and shipping. It would not be
long. And the reply presently came:

St. John's, August 6.

Topsail, Armstrong, Grimm & Company,
Aboard "Spot Cash,"
Tilt Cove.
Still three thirty-five. No rise probable.

Armstrong & Company.

Archie Armstrong was hurt. He could hardly conceive that his father
had planned the ruin of his undertaking and the loss of his honour.
But what was left to think? Would the skipper and clerk of the _Black
Eagle_ deliberately court discharge? And discharge it would
be--discharge in disgrace. There was no possible excuse for this
amazing change in prices. No; there was no explanation but that they
were proceeding upon Sir Archibald's orders. It was inconceivable
that they should be doing anything else. Archie would ask no quarter
of his father; but he would at least let Sir Archibald know that he
was aware of the difference between fair and unfair competition.
Before he boarded the _Spot Cash_ he dispatched this message:

Tilt Cove, August 6.

Armstrong & Company,
St. John's.
Tilt Cove.

"Black Eagle" paying three eighty-five. Underselling
flour, pork, tea, sugar. Why don't you play fair?

Topsail, Armstrong, Grimm & Company.

If Archie Armstrong could have been in the little office which
overlooked the wharves to observe the effect of that message upon Sir
Archibald he would not only have been amazed but would have come to
his senses in a good deal less time than he actually did. The first
item a