“But that won’t fill the page,” objected the proprietor.

“Cartoon.  Column of light comment.  Letters from readers.  That will,” returned Banneker with severe brevity.

“It might be worth trying,” mused Marrineal.

“It might be worth, to a moribund paper, almost anything.”  The tone was significant.

“Then you are prepared to join our staff?”

“On suitable terms.”

“I had thought of offering you,” Marrineal paused for better effect, “one hundred and fifty dollars a week.”

Banneker was annoyed.  That was no more than he could earn, with a little outside work, on The Ledger.  He had thought of asking two hundred and fifty.  Now he said promptly: 

“Those editorials are worth three hundred a week to any paper.  As a starter,” he added.

A pained and patient smile overspread Marrineal’s regular features.  “The Patriot’s leader-writer draws a hundred at present.”

“I dare say.”

“The whole page costs barely three hundred.”

“It is overpaid.”

“For a comparative novice,” observed Marrineal without rancor, “you do not lack self-confidence.”

“There are the goods,” said Banneker evenly.  “It is for you to decide whether they are worth the price asked.”

“And there’s where the trouble is,” confessed Marrineal.  “I don’t know.  They might be.”

Banneker made his proposition.  “You spoke of my being a novice.  I admit the weak spot.  I want more experience.  You can afford to try this out for six months.  In fact, you can’t afford not to.  Something has got to be done with The Patriot, and soon.  It’s losing ground daily.”

“You are mistaken,” returned Marrineal.

“Then the news-stands and circulation lists are mistaken, too,” retorted the other.  “Would you care to see my figures?”

Marrineal waved away the suggestion with an easy gesture which surrendered the point.

“Very well.  I’m backing the new editorial idea to get circulation.”

“With my money,” pointed out Marrineal.

“I can’t save you the money.  But I can spread it for you, that three hundred dollars.”

“How, spread it?”

“Charge half to editorial page:  half to the news department.”

“On account of what services to the news department?”

“General.  That is where I expect to get my finishing experience.  I’ve had enough reporting.  Now I’m after the special work; a little politics, a little dramatic criticism; a touch of sports; perhaps some book-reviewing and financial writing.  And, of course, an apprenticeship in the Washington office.”

“Haven’t you forgotten the London correspondence?”

Whether or not this was sardonic, Banneker did not trouble to determine.  “Too far away, and not time enough,” he answered.  “Later, perhaps, I can try that.”

“And while you are doing all these things who is to carry out the editorial idea?”