, 1916-01-20

His reflections and Mary's business
were interrupted, however. by John.
sons entering a second time and an
nouncing the last two people in the
world that Mary had counted ON,
namely, Mr.. Rodney Martin and Mr..
Ambrose Peale.
"Oh. the whole firm, eh?" said Mr..
Martin, cycling Mary sharply.
Mary started guilty. For a moment
she feared that Rodney might bark
back to that 5000 check his father
had given her and grow jealous again.
She couldn't pretend to be pleased to
see him, despite her sentimental re-
Elections just now downstairs. She had
wanted to handle this interview in her
W way. She felt as II she could have
done 1t right. ~convincingly, just as a
hunter feels within himself that he can
clear the hurdle that looms ahead
Now, here were Rodney and Ambrose
to interfere with her, and Ambrose of
course would interrupt and switch her
OFF and perhaps irritate the old gentle.
man with his advertising talk. He
couldn't help 1t. Ambrose would pop
out of his jack in the box ~instanter
II you sprang the subject of soap and
advertising.
Old Mr.. Martin surveyed all three of
them grimly, just long enough to let
embarrassment set in on all their faces.
His eyes rested on Mary last of all,
and longest. A fairly perceptible
change crept round his firm old
mouth as he did SO. He was satisfied
the little mink had told him the truth
about Rodney's not knowing anything
as to her mission here, and indeed,
when the boy came In and saw her
there. he exclaimed In genuine sur
prise:
why, Mary, what are you doing
here?'
Mary thought fast a moment, and evil
IDENTIFY decided that the best part of
diplomacy this time was the truth.
81 came to tell your father about
Brown & James, she said frankly.
Rodney looked relieved.
That's why we're here too" he said.
Absolutely added Peale.
"Well, what is 1t about Brown G.
James?" clustered Martin. Let me
tell you right now, l won't back any
fake company"
But we're o a fake any longer"
protested Rodney.
We've actually sold some soap"
chimed in Peale.
Fifty thousand cakes" Mary ex-
planned impressively.
"To Brown & James, said Rodney.
"Then why did you send 'em only
five thousand cakesT' inquired old
Martin bluntly.
Rodney looked astonished. but an.
swered promptly:
Because after we'd got that much
from n of your branch factories you
shut of our supply"
And we couldn't get any more soap
anywhere" said Peale plaintively.
And you knew 1t very we'll" Mary
said accusingly.
We've still got $4,000 cakes to de
liver II we can get 'em from you"
went on Rodney. why let all that
money get out Of the family?" he plead
ed. Its a business proposition"
mo. 1t isn't" said the father.
Don't fool yourself. 1 sent that tele
gram"
what telegram asked Rodney.
1.-The telegram from Brown & James
ordering the 8 10000 cakes" grunted old
Martin.
Mary pumped down on a chair in
dlsmay.
"You sent it?" she gasped.
Mr.. Martin decided to amplify a lit.
tie.
That day at the office you were
tell the truth, | felt so sorry for you
l had to do something. so I sen that
wire
so that success is all bluff. too?'
sighed Rodney.
WELL said his father, 81 figured an
order like that would stall off your
creditors, and when l had fixed it with
one of our factories to let You have
5000 cakes at 3 cents a cake l knew 1t
would mean some ready cash for you
from Brown & James,"
But how did you square Brown &
Jamesf" inquired Peale. still hoping 1t
was his ads.
"Oh, l just wired 'em I'D be respon-
sible," said Mr.. Martin. And say"
he added. turning to Rodney. you had
a nerve to charge 'em go cents a cake.
| had to pay the bill. That shipment
cost me $1,000 for $3.50 worth of soap"
Peale laughed.
''That isn't funny, young man" said
Mr.. Martin. glaring at him.
mo. 1t isn't" admitted Rodney. 81
thought we'd really made good. and all
the time it was you behind us
You see. my boy" said Martin
senior. "even IL you did nearly trim me.
I've got a sort of sneaking fondness
for you. Look here, son. why not quit?
There's no market for dollar soup"
But how do you knowF' Rodney OBJ
jected bravely.