e established this triangle of
strong-points," he said. "We control the second Sunday in May and the
third Sunday in June in addition to our first and most vital holding,
the twenty-fifth of December. I regard these three victories, sir, as
only beachheads, only the softening-up phases of a still greater
campaign. We must press on toward Total Prosperity."

"How, Winfree?" Major Dampfer asked.

"By adding three hundred and sixty-two days a year to our laurels, sir,"
Winfree said, sweeping his swagger-stick across the face of the
calendar. "My plan is to make every consumer's birthday a Gratuity Day
for each of his Nearest-and-Dearest."

Major Dampfer sat up straight. "Captain," he said softly, "this is
Thinking Big. This could lend billions a year to the Gross National
Product. It could mean a major break-through on the Prosperity front.
Are you really proposing that each consumer be required to give birthday
presents to the same people, and on the same scale, as he now gives Xmas
Gratuities?"

"Precisely, sir," Captain Winfree said. "My staff has in the files the
birthdate of every consumer in the District. Enforcement of the new
quotas I propose will be no more difficult than the old: the same scale
of fines for non-compliance, the same terms of imprisonment for repeated
offenses will be imposed. The dates-of-destruction to be marked on
Birthday Gratuities will be set as the next Potlatch Day, plus one year.
Merchandise will be marked with the year-date precisely as is now done
for Xmas, Dad's Day, and Mom's Day gifts. Birthday-cards will be
addressed and sent from this office, just like Xmas cards."

* * * * *

Major Dampfer stood and drew on his uniform gauntlets. "May I assume
that you've covered the field public-relations-wise?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Captain Winfree said. "I've composed a slogan for this
year's drive in my District: 'Make the Magi Come the Year
'Round--Birthday Gratuities for All!'"

"It sings, Winfree," Major Dampfer said. "I like it. Captain, you have
my nod. Carry on with this program. If you win the battle for this
District, I'll get you a desk in Washington and Divisional Command;
you'll help us tailor your plan to fit the entire nation."

"Thank you, sir," Winfree said, grinning. "I won't disappoint you."

"You'd best not," the Major said. He paused by the office door. "Captain
Winfree, the word is on the grapevine that you're planning to marry one