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.
"Lumber market's up and down, down and up, and we never know where we
stand. Give you that at two-fifty a share. Want it?"
"I should say I do!" Skinner gasped.
"Then you owe me sixty-five thousand dollars. I'll take your
promissory note for it at five per cent., and you can pay the note out
of your salary and the dividends.
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