The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-10-27

that be 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.
Pinckney became all attention at once
Yes, sir. What is it," he asked
Durant consulted the paper in his
hand.
The royalty on this Rhinestrom
gum" he asked-"am l correctly in
formed about it?"
How much did you think it WASP"
asked the manager.
According to the papers. we pay a
royalty of $4,000 for 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 to forge
we must pay $4,000 EACH
That's correct, sir" said Pinckney.
'Its too much" declared the steel
magnate sharply.
His manager ventured a protesting
gesture.
81 wrote you" he said. land cabled
you before signed the contract. 1t
was too risky waiting until your re-
turn
Il don't see why" exclaimed Du
rant impatiently. 81 think you've
made a mistake this time. Edward-a
grave mistake That royalty consider
outrageous"
The manager had to make fight
I'm very sorry. sir" he said apollo
getically. "but you know have your
| interest at heart. and it seemed to me
the only thing that could be dcnaa You
have trusted my Judgment. had to
exercise it. The government liked this
gun, and it meant an order that will
keep us busy for year. If we con-
trolled the patents they were obliged
to give us 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
1t. Edward. To make profit we have
to charge the government a tremen-
dous price that doesn't help our future
business. 1t will give us black eye
wnen we want work next time"
well, I'm sorry. SIR" said Pinckney
alphabetically. Il was working only
for the best. | wanted to insure our
contract with the government AS it
is, you see. we do not begin work for
two months. and there'll be lot of
wire pulling and hauling first"
Durant nodded.
Yes, if they find a gun they like
better they can countermand our or
der"
Pinckney hesitated. He felt he had
to go cautiously. but it would not do
to let Mr.. Durant guess his hand
Yes" he said slowly. this fellow
Sommers is here to have a gun forged
that he's invented. He's 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 it preference over the Rhine
strom gun and countermand our or
der"
Durant nodded. pleased
Il wish they would" he said "We
could still get the business and not
gouge the government Sommers is an
officer in the navy and can claim no
royalty. 1t would reduce the cost of
every twelve inch gun $4,000"
Pinckney bowed in agreement. then
suggested:
You are partly right. Mr. Durant.
but if 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.
I'VE can't help that" replied his
chief. us Sommers' gun better than
ours?''
Pinckney looked up Indignantly.
"Of course not" he exclaimed. but
SommerS has influence. and | do not
trust him. think he'd be capable of
any dirty trick to have our gun turned
down"
Durant laid his hand on the young
managers arm in kindly fashion.
Now. now. Edward he said mean
ingly. Il like your enthusiasm: it's
good for the business. but you must
not let your enthusiasm lead you to
foolish hatred. This young Sommers
seems to me to be 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"
$50 you've noticed that. too. have
yOu?" 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 or
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