ng to do business for years, into
sampling a carload of skunk spruce boards, random lengths and grades, at
a dollar above the price given him by Skinner. In Arizona he worked up
some new business in mining timbers, but it was not until he got into
the heart of Texas that Comrade Peck really commenced to demonstrate his
selling ability. Standard oil derricks were his specialty and he shot
the orders in so fast that Mr. Skinner was forced to wire him for mercy
and instruct him to devote his talent to the disposal of cedar shingles
and siding, Douglas fir and redwood. Eventually he completed his circle
and worked his way home, via Los Angeles, pausing however, in the San
Joaquin Valley to sell two more carloads of skunk spruce. When this
order was wired in, Mr. Skinner came to Cappy Ricks with the telegram.

"Well, I must admit Comrade Peck can sell lumber," he announced
grudgingly. "He has secured five new accounts and here is an order for
two more carloads of skunk spruce. I'll have to raise his salary about
the first of the year.

"My dear Skinner, why the devil wait until the first of the year? Your
pernicious habit of deferring the inevitable parting with money has cost
us the services of more than one good man. You know you have to raise
Comrade Peck's salary sooner or later, so why not do it now and smile
like a dentifrice advertisement while you're doing it? Comrade Peck will
feel a whole lot better as a result, and who knows? He may conclude
you're a human being, after all, and learn to love you?"

"Very well, sir. I'll give him the same salary Andrews was getting
before Peck took over his territory."

"Skinner, you make it impossible for me to refrain from showing you
who's boss around here. He's better than Andrews, isn't he?"

"I think he is, sir."

"Well then, for the love of a square deal, pay him more and pay it to
him from the first day he went to work. Get out. You make me nervous. By
the way, how is Andrews getting along in his Shanghai job?"

"He's helping the cable company pay its income tax. Cables about three
times a week on matters he should decide for himself. Matt Peasley is
disgusted with him."

"Ah! Well, I'm not disappointed. And I suppose Matt will be in here
before long to remind me that I was the bright boy who picked Andrews
for the job. Well, I did, but I call upon you to remember. Skinner, when
I'm assailed, that Andrews' appointment was temporary."

"Yes, sir, it was."

"Well,