"I suggest, sir," Mr. Skinner replied with chill politeness, "that you
conduct the examination."

"I accept the nomination, Skinner. By the Holy Pink-toed Prophet! The
next man we send out to that Shanghai office is going to be a go-getter.
We've had three managers go rotten on us and that's three too many."

And without further ado, Cappy swung his aged legs up on to his desk and
slid down in his swivel chair until he rested on his spine. His head
sank on his breast and he closed his eyes.

"He's framing the examination for Andrews," Matt Peasley whispered, as
he and Skinner made their exits.

* * * * *

II

The President emeritus of the Ricks' interests was not destined to
uninterrupted cogitation, however. Within ten minutes his private
exchange operator called him to the telephone.

"What is it?" Cappy yelled into the transmitter.

"There is a young man in the general office. His name is Mr. William E.
Peck and he desires to see you personally."

Cappy sighed. "Very well," he replied. "Have him shown in."

Almost immediately the office boy ushered Mr. Peck into Cappy's