Peasley. I want to befriend him, because he's one of my own people, so
to speak; but I greatly fear, Skinner, I shall have to rough him. Here
he is, disputing with me--with me, Skinner--the relative merits of
copper paint. And not only disputing, sir, but disobeying my specific
instructions. Also, he permits himself the luxury of criticism.
Well! I'll not fire him this time; but, by the gods, I'll give him a
blowing-up he'll remember. Skinner, send in a stenographer."

"Take letter," the old man ordered presently, and proceeded to dictate:

Captain Matthew Peasley,
Master Barkentine Retriever,
Care Rainier M. & L. Co.,
Tacoma, Washington.

Sir:--Your night letter of the fifth is before me and treasured
for its unparalleled effrontery.

Please be advised that in future, when an extraordinary outlay
of cash for your vessel's accounts is contemplated, this office
should first be consulted. When, in your judgment, your vessel
requires docking, repairs, new spars, canvas, and so on, you
will apprise us before proceeding to run up a bill of expense
on your owners. Your business is to navigate your vessel.
Spending money judiciously is a fine art which no sailor, to my
knowledge, has ever acquired.

Though admitting that the vessel needed docking, I maintain you
should have wired us of that fact, whereupon we would have
ordered you to the dry dock patronized by this company. It is
customary for owners to express a preference for dry docks and
copper paint; and in presuming to go counter to my specific
instructions in the matter of paint you are prejudicing your
future prospects with this company.

Another exhibition of your arrogance, impudence, general bad
manners and lack of knowledge of the ethics of your profession
will result in prompt dismissal from the service of the Blue
Star Navigation Company.

Yours, and so on,
Alden P. Ricks, President

CHAPTER XVI. WAR!

The receipt of Cappy Ricks' letter actually frightened Matt Peasley for
about thirty seconds. Then he reread the last paragraph. Like a dutiful
servant he forgave Cappy the letter's reference to arrogance, impudence
and general bad manners; but the reference to his lack of knowledge of
the ethics of his profession made him fighting mad.

Cappy Ricks might just as well have passed him the supreme insult