o I believe in him," Perkins said.

"I couldn't offend him for the world," McLaughlin went on. "He's as
sensitive as a cat's tail. I would n't even dare to go into that cage of
his." McLaughlin paused, "Yet we've got to do _something_. We can't
wait till summer when he goes on his vacation. All kinds of things might
happen before then. Time and Wall Street don't wait for anybody--except
magnates!"

"You mean, have an expert accountant go over his books?" said Perkins.

"Certainly, that's what I mean--that's what you mean--that's what's been
in both our minds from the time he began to travel with that Pullman
crowd."

"It ought to be done at once," said Perkins. "If things are not
regular--well, we must protect ourselves. I'm puzzled how to get rid of
him while we're doing it. It's a delicate business," Perkins urged.

"I've got that all figured out, Perk." McLaughlin paused to register the
comedy line that was to follow. "I'm going to send Skinner to St.
Paul--after Willard Jackson!"

The partners were silent for a few moments; then Perkins said, "You
can't, Mac."

"Why not?"

"It's a joke!"

"Of course it's a joke! But it's a harmless joke. You and I are the
only ones that are 'on.' Skinner won't suspect. We'll put it up to him
in dead earnest."

"The worst Jackson can do is to insult him the way he did you," said
Perkins.

"The old dog!" said McLaughlin. He paused. "We'll get Skinner out of
his cage for a while. It'll cost us so much money--we'll add that on to
the expert accountant's bill. Can you think of a better way, Perk?"

"Mac, you're a genius!"

McLaughlin pressed the button marked "cashier."

Perkins put out his hand. "Don't call him yet, Mac. Wait till I get
through laughing."

McLaughlin turned as the "cage man" entered.

"Hello, Skinner. Sit down." He paused a moment to register his next
words. "Skinner, Mr. Perkins and I want you to do something for us."

Skinner looked from one partner to the other. "Yes," he said quietly.

"Two years ago we lost the biggest customer we ever had," McLaughlin
proceeded.

"I know. Willard Jackson--St. Paul."

"Lost him through the stupidity of Briggs," snapped McLaughlin.

Skinner nodded.

"We've been trying to get him back ever since, as you know. We sent our
silver-tongued Browning out there. No good! Then Mr. Perkins went out.
Then I went out. All this you know."

The "cage man" nodded.

McLaughlin paused. "