Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-10-28
CHAPTER V.

had known him SO long, realized
that lie 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 to his questions.
Pinckucy became all attention at once.
Yes, sir. What Is it?'' lie asked.
Durnnt consulted the paper In his
hand.
The royalty on this Rhlnestrom
gum" he asked-"am 1 correctly In
formed about IT,"
How much did you think 1t was?"
asked the manager.
According to the papers. we pay a
royalty OF $4,000 for every gun six
Inches or under end 81 900 IN inch ex-
ira for every one over SIX. So for
these twelve inch guns we are to forge
we must pay $4,000 each"
That's correct, SIR" said Pinckney.
cts too much" declared the steel
magnate sharply.
His manager ventured protesting
gesture.
II wrote you" be said, land cabled
you before ! signed the contract. 1t
was too risky waiting until your re-
turn"
II don't see why" exclaimed Du-
liant impatiently. 81 think you've
made q mistake this time, Edward-a
crave mistake. That royalty consider
outrageous"
The manager had to make fight
"I'm very sorry, SIR" he said apollo
geticnlly but you know I have your
Interest at heart, and Il seemed to me
the only thing that could be done. You
exercise It. The government liked this
gun, and 1t meant an order that will
keep us busy for year. If we con
trolled the patents they were obliged
to give rs the contracts. There was
no competition, you see. and then our
price to the government leaves us a
very fair profit even after this big roy
atty is paid"
Durant shook his head.
Penny wise. pound foolish. think
It, Edward. To make profit we have
to charge the government tremen-
dous price that doesn't help our future
business. 1t will give us black eye
when we want work next time"
well, I'm sorry, sir said Pinckney
alphabetically. Il was working only
for the best l wanted to insure our
contract with the government As It
IL, you see. we do not begin work for
two months, and thcrc'l he lot of
wire pulling and hauling first"
Durant nodded
yes. If they find a gun they like
better they can countcrmand our or
der"
Pinc!;ncy hestatcd. He felt he had
TO 60 cautiously. but it would not do
to let Mr.. Durant guess his hand.
Yes" he said slowly. this fellow
Sommers is here to have n gun forged
that he's invented. He's got some pull
At Washington. Pm 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 1t preference over the Rhine
der"
Durant DO0ued. pleased.
II 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. II would reduce the cost of
every twelve inch gun 1900"
Pinckney bowed IN agreement, then
suggested;
you are partly right, Mr.. Durant.
but II they took his gun there would
be no certainty about our getting the
order. We would have to compete In
the open, and some one might under
bid u.s.
1--WE can't help that" replied his
chief. as Sommers' gun better than
ours"
Pinckney looked up Indignantly.
"Of course not" he exclaimed, "but
Sommers has influence, and ! do not
TRUST MN think he'd be capable Of
any dirty trick to have our gun turned
Town"
Durant laid his hand on the young
managers arm in kindly fashion.
NOW. now, Edward" he said mean
hgly. II like your enthusiasm; It's
good for the business, but you must
not let your enthusiasm lead you to
foolish hatred. This young Sommcrs
seems to me to be Il very decent sort
Of young fellow. l never saw him be
fore tonight but I was quite favornbly
impressed. Frances also seems to Ike
him very much"
$50 you've noticed that, too, have
your" sneered the manager.
Frances father looked up sharply.
"Yes; have you?" he asked.
Again Pinckney hesitated. 1t was
time for careful work now He could
not afford to make an open rupture OF
say anything about direct explana-
ton, so he began using all his diplo-
macy. suggesting by look and gesture
rather than by open accusation what
be meant
Yes. have noticed 1t. Mr.. Durant,
le said. II hoped ! was mistaken.
would hate to see anything like that
because you know my interest in cv
erything that concerns you. and par
ticulnrly In Frances" He hesltnted
for a moment, wondering just how tc
90 on.
yes. understand your interest,
said Durant kindly. u understand
that"
THANK you. sir" exclaimed Pinck
ney gratefully. you know. then. how