Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-10-30
CHATTER V.
HONEST MAN AND KSAvE.

was serious, and Pinckney, who
had known him SO long. realized
that he was seriously put out about
something. At such times there was
only one way to handle the steel mag
nate-that way was absolute obedience
and prompt replies 20 his questions.
Pinckncy became an attention at once.
yes. sir. What is itF' he asked.
Durant consulted the paper IN his
hand
The royalty on this Rhinestrom
gun" he asked-"am I correctly in
formed about itg-
How much did you think it wasp
asked the manager.
According 10 the papers. we pay q
royalty Of $4,000 Tor every gun six
inches or under and $1,000 an inch ex-
ira for every one over six. So for
these twelve inch guns we are 20 forge
we must pay $4,000 each"
That's correct. sir" said Pinckncy
'Its too much" declared the steel
magnate sharply
His manager ventured a protesting
gesture.
Il wrote YOU" he said. "aud cabled
you before signed the contract II
was too risky waiting until your re-
turn"
Il don't see why" exclaimed Du.
rant impauently. 81 think you've
made a mistake this time. Edward
grave mistake. That royalty consider
outrageous"
The manager had 90 make q fight
'Im very sorry. SIR" he said apollo
Getically, "but you know I have your
interest at heart. and Il seemed 20 me
the only thing that could bc done You
have trusted my Judgment. L had 20
exercise Il. The government liked this
gun, and IL meant an order that viii
keep as busy FOR a year. II we con
trolled the patents they were Obliged
10 give us the contracts. There was
no competition, You see. and then our
price 20 the government leaves US a
very fair profit even after this big roy
atty is paid"
Durant shook his head.
Penny wise. pound foolish. I think
It. Edward To make a profit we have
70 charge the government a tremen-
dous price that doesn't help our futur.
business. II viii give us a black eve
when we want work next time"
Well, I'm sorry, sir" said Pinckuey
npologetically. Il was working only
for the best I wanted 10 insure our
contract with the government AS 20
IS, you see, we do not begin work Tor
two months, and therell be a lot OF
wire pulling and hauling first"
Durant nodded
Yes. II they find a gun they like
better they can countermand our or.
der"
Pinckney hesitated He felt be had
20 so cautiously. but Il would not do
10 let Mt. Durant guess his hand.
Yes" he said slowly. ''this fellow
Sommers is here TO have a gun forged
that he's invented Hes got some pull
at Washington, I'm certain OF that"
Don't see what difference that
makes" replied the steel man.
"Oh," protested the manager. sup
pose after they test the Sommers gun
they give Il preference over the Rhine
strom gun and countermand our or
der"
Durant nodded. pleased.
Il wish they would" he said. I'VE
could still get the business and not
gouge the government. Sommers is an
officer IN the navy and can claim no
royalty. il would reduce the cost Of
every twelve inch gun $4,000"
Pinckney bowed IN agreement, then
suggested:
You are partly right. Mr.. Durant
but IL they took his gun there would
be no certainty about our getting the
order. We would have 10 compete I'm
the rrap como 80
bid US"
I'VE can't help that" replied his
chief rs Sommers' gun better than
oursT"
Pinckney looked up Indignantly.
"Of course not" he exclaimed. but
Sommers has influence. aud / do not
trust him. / think he'd be capable OF
any dirty trick 20 have our gun turned
down"
Durant laid his hand on the young
managers arm in kindly fashion.
Now. now, Edward" he said mean
fngiy. II like your enthusiasm: it's
good for the business, but YOU must
not let your enthusiasm lead YOU a.
foolish hatred. This young Sommers
seems TO me TO be a very decent sort
OF young fellow. ! never saw him be
fore tonight. but was quite favorably
Impressed Frances also seems to like
him very much" arr
so you've noticed that. too, have
your sneered the manager.
Frances father looked up sharply
Yes; have your" he asked. l
Again Pinckney hesitated II VS.
time for careful work now. He couid |
not AFFORD TO make an open rupture az
say anything about direct explains
fons so he began using all his dipio