recall Mac and give the Retriever to All Hands And Feet until she gets
back to Grays Harbor; in consequence of which Mac hasn't a thing to do
for four months and draws full pay for doing it, and later I've got to
provide a permanent place for All Hands And Feet! Skinner, if this
continues, I shall yet fill a pauper's grave." He was silent for
several seconds; then: "By the way, Skinner, have you replied to that
last cablegram from the man Peasley?"

"No, sir. I didn't think it required an answer."

"You mean you didn't know what answer to give him," Cappy snarled.
"Well, neither do I; but since the cuss has got us into the spending
habit, I'm going to be reckless for once and send him a cable myself,
just to let him know I'm calling his bluff."

And, with that remark, Cappy squared round to his desk and wrote, in a
trembling hand: "Special messenger big as horse carries reply your
last cablegram."

"There," he said, turning to his general manager; "send that to the
man Peasley, and sign my name to it."



CHAPTER IX

MR. MURPHY ADVISES PREPAREDNESS


Matt Peasley said nothing to Mr. Murphy when Cappy Ricks' cryptic