violently. The others turned and
stared at him. He rocked harder and laughed louder. The faces of
Livingstone and Van Dorn became really concerned. The latter said
soothingly:

"Oh, come, old man, that won't do. You're overworked and nervous. You
must take it calmly, you know."

But Perner only rocked and laughed more wildly. Finally he gasped out:

"I'm all right! I haven't got 'em! But _four subscriptions_! A year's
work for four men, and one subscription apiece to show for it! The
mountain rocked and groaned and brought forth a mouse! Oh, Lord! Ten
years' business experience and four subscriptions! Twelve months' hard
labor for two well-known artists, several thousand dollars in cash, and
four subscriptions!"

He reeled off into another wild fit of merriment, and this time the
others joined him. The humor of it had seized them all. Van Dorn toppled
over on the couch. Livingstone lay down on a prayer-rug to laugh.

"Four subscriptions!" they shouted. "And Frisby got in a thousand
dollars the first day. Cash paid for names, and four subscriptions! The
crown-jeweled watch! The marvelous cracker-jack, double-rack, Hackensack
camera! Money for Christmas shopping, and checks mailed promptly! Oh,
Lord! Oh, Lord!"

They were not so far from hysteria, after all. When at last they could
laugh no more, they were weak and exhausted.

"How about our steam-yacht, and houses on Fifth Avenue?" asked Van Dorn,
and this was followed by a feeble aftermath of mirth.

"I'm glad we didn't take vacations," said Perner; "we'll enjoy them so
much more next year, when we can go in style."

Livingstone said nothing, and his face had saddened. Presently one of
the girls from below entered with a letter. It was postmarked at
Chicago, and they recognized Barrifield's handwriting. It was addressed
to Perner. He read it aloud:

"DEAR PERNY AND ALL: You will have things fairly under way
by the time you get this, and we will be already as good as
millionaires.

"Humph! Yes," commented Perner. "_Better_ than some millionaires, I
hope!

"The subscriptions will be pouring in--"

"See 'em pour!" interrupted Van Dorn.

"and the premiums going out in a steady stream."

At this there was a general yell and another fit of laughter.

"I am sorry," the letter continued, "that we adopted that
watch, however, for I have found a much better one here, and
have got on the 'inside.' I have sent on a numbe