fter a bit, he took out his little book and wrote:--

_Dress-Suit Account_

_Debit_ _Credit_

The best laugh I ever
had--in this or any of my
previous existences.

Later in the day, Skinner crossed to the office of Ransome & Company,
on a matter of business for the firm. There was no one there when he
entered but the office boy. But the youngster, from force of habit,
when he saw Skinner, the acquiescent one, said, "Mr. Ransome's very
busy this morning."

"So am _I_ very busy," Skinner jerked out. "Just tell him I'm here."

The boy looked at Skinner in surprise, then without a word shambled
into the inside office. Presently, a tall, pompous man entered and
looked about for somebody to take his name to Ransome. As the boy
emerged from the private office, he caught sight of this gentleman and
darted back. In a few moments he returned and spoke to Skinner.

"Mr. Ransome'll see _you_ just as soon as he's finished with this
gentleman," indicating the pompous one.

But the new business clothes had knocked all the acquiescence out of
Skinner. In their spic-and-spanness they fairly shrieked for respect.

"See here, boy," Skinner exclaimed angrily, "you tell Mr. Ransome that
I was here before this gentleman and that I want him to see me now or
not at all!"

"But--"

"Go!" said Skinner. "My firm is important if I'm not," he muttered as
the boy disappeared.

And as Ransome was seller to, instead of a buyer from, McLaughlin &
Perkins, Inc., he came out immediately, rubbing his hands.

"Why, Mr. Skinner, I did n't know you were in a hurry."

"Personally, I'm not," replied Skinner, "but my firm's time is
valuable."

"Of course--of course--come right in."

When he got back to his cage, Skinner jotted down in his little book:--

_Dress-Suit Account_

_Debit_ _Credit_

One victory over detested
office boy! Good moral effect.
Shan't waste any more time
hereafter just to accommodate
pompous individuals!

"Say, Mac," said Perkins at luncheon, "did you notice our Skinner's
brand-new attire?"

"Yes, Perk," said the