gures?"

Skinner looked over the memorandum Jackson handed him and made a quick
calculation. "Yes," said he, "we can meet them."

"The order is yours."

"I won't take it," said Skinner, "unless you throw in that trout
dinner."

That night Skinner wired McLaughlin and Perkins, Inc., that he'd caught
the bear and was bringing the hide home with him--the hide being the
fattest order that that concern had had for many a day.

Then he jotted down in his little book:--

_Dress-Suit Account_

_Debit_ _Credit_

Landed one curmudgeon!

Bait used--domestic
tranquillity!

Method--did n't use any!
Just stood off and waited,
and he landed himself.

CHAPTER XI

THE OSTRICH FEATHER

When Skinner entered the office of McLaughlin & Perkins, Inc., two days
later, he found that the partners had arranged a reception committee of
two to welcome him.

Both shook hands cordially and McLaughlin said, "Skinner, we're not
only convinced that you're a thoroughly honest and methodical man"--he
glanced knowingly at Perking--"but that you're a very able man as well.
We--"

Skinner cut him short. "Mr. McLaughlin, do I get the ostrich feather?"

"You do, indeed,--and I'm only sorry that the great auk is dead!"

Skinner blushed. "You don't know how good you 've made me feel, really
you don't--giving me this chance to show what I could do."

"You had your chance and you showed what you could do, all right,"
McLaughlin broke in. He paused, then, "Now, tell us, Skinner, how did
you do it?"

Skinner hesitated. "I'd rather not."

"Why?" said McLaughlin. "Ain't you got it patented?"

"Secret process," said Skinner.

"It's more than that, it's an _effective_ process. But what's
important to us, Skinner, is--could you work it on other folks besides
Jackson?"

"Yes--that is, most other men--middle-aged men."

"Why middle-aged men?"

"Because they're married--most middle-aged men are."

McLaughlin turned to Perkins. "I'm darned if he ain't gone and mashed
the climber. That's what I think!"

Skinner thrust his hands into his pockets, walked over to the window,
then turned and slowly came back to within a few feet of where
McLaughlin was sitting.