When Hankins had complied with his request Cappy Ricks placed the Skinner certificates in his pocket and went uptown to the office of his attorney.  He returned to his office within an hour and immediately sent for Mr. Skinner.

“Skinner, my dear boy,” began Cappy affably, “sit down.  I want to have a very serious talk with you.”

“Nothing wrong, I trust,” Skinner began apprehensively, for Cappy’s air was very portentous.

“If there was,” Cappy snapped, “you wouldn’t be here to-day.  Some other fellow would be holding down your job, and, I dare say, giving poor satisfaction—­by the way, my dear Skinner, something which you have never done.”

Mr. Skinner flushed pleasurably and thanked his employer.

“Some twenty-five years ago,” Cappy continued, “you entered my employ as a spindle-legged office boy.  To-day you are my general manager, and a rattling good one, too, even if we do have our little run-in together every so often.  We mustn’t pay any attention to that, however, for a fight is good for a man, Skinner.  I maintain that it brings out all of his virtues and vices where one can have an unobstructed view of them.  However, passing that, I decided a long time ago, Skinner, that you are entitled to more than a mere salary—­”

“My salary has been eminently satisfactory, sir—­” Mr. Skinner began.

“Don’t be an ass, Skinner,” Cappy interrupted tartly.  “I wouldn’t give two hoots in hell for a satisfied man, unless he’s his own man—­understand.  You should have a more vital interest in the Ricks Lumber and Logging Company and the Blue Star Navigation Company.  We always make our skippers own a piece of the vessels they command, so they will not be tempted to rob us, for in robbing us they rob themselves.  Consequently, thinking it over, Skinner, I have decided to make you own a piece of both the companies you manage, not because you may rob them but because I want to reward you for faithful service.  I had planned to do this in my will, but I feel so healthy lately I think I’ll live a long time yet, and there isn’t any real sense in keeping you waiting.  What is the book valuation of the Ricks L. & L. stock?”

“Three hundred eighty-seven thirteen, according to the last annual report,” replied Skinner glibly.  His eyes glistened.

“And the Blue Star stock?”

“Four hundred thirty-two twenty-seven.”

“Hump!  Harump-h-h!  It will be worth more when the Panama Canal is opened.  We’ll have a crack at the Atlantic Seaboard market with our Pacific Coast lumber, and the water freight will knock the rail rate silly.  Besides, I’m going to buy up a couple of large freighters, or build them, and that stock of yours will pay dividends then.  I’ll soak you four hundred per share for the Blue Star stock.  Is that satisfactory?”

Nobody knew better than Mr. Skinner the fact that the Blue Star stock at the book valuation was appraised very conservatively.  He nodded.