e boy.

Mr. Hankins was the cashier; also secretary of all of Cappy's companies,
of which Mr. Skinner was first vice president. He entered and stood
deferentially beside Cappy's desk.

"Hankins, my dear boy, bring me the stock certificates for my holdings
in the Ricks Lumber and Logging Company and the Blue Star Navigation
Company. I am going to indorse them, after which I wish you would
reissue the stock to me, less one hundred shares of each in the name
of Mr. Skinner. Say nothing to Mr. Skinner about this and bring the new
certificates to me immediately."

When Hankins had complied with his request Cappy Ricks placed the
Skinner certificates in his pocket and went uptown to the office of his
attorney. He returned to his office within an hour and immediately sent
for Mr. Skinner.

"Skinner, my dear boy," began Cappy affably, "sit down. I want to have a
very serious talk with you."

"Nothing wrong, I trust," Skinner began apprehensively, for Cappy's air
was very portentous.

"If there was," Cappy snapped, "you wouldn't be here to-day. Some other
fellow would be holding down your job, and, I dare say, giving poor
satisfaction--by the way, my dear Skinner, something which you have
never done."

Mr. Skinner flushed pleasurably and thanked his employer.

"Some twenty-five years ago," Cappy continued, "you entered my employ
as a spindle-legged office boy. To-day you are my general manager, and
a rattling good one, too, even if we do have our little run-in together
every so often. We mustn't pay any attention to that, however, for a
fight is good for a man, Skinner. I maintain that it brings out all of
his virtues and vices where one can have an unobstructed view of them.
However, passing that, I decided a long time ago, Skinner, that you are
entitled to more than a mere salary--"

"My salary has been eminently satisfactory, sir--" Mr. Skinner began.

"Don't be an ass, Skinner," Cappy interrupted tartly. "I wouldn't
give two hoots in hell for a satisfied man, unless he's his own
man--understand. You should have a more vital interest in the Ricks
Lumber and Logging Company and the Blue Star Navigation Company. We
always make our skippers own a piece of the vessels they command,
so they will not be tempted to rob us, for in robbing us they rob
themselves. Consequently, thinking it over, Skinner, I have decided to
make you own a piece of both the companies you manage, not because you
may rob them but because I want