"
Cappy smiled brightly.
"By all means, Skinner, my dear boy; by all means, since you wish it.
It just about breaks my heart to think of the cargo of grief I'm going
to slip that boy; but I have resolved to be firm, Skinner. He owes us
eighteen thousand dollars and he must go through with his contract to
the very letter, and pay the Blue Star Navigation Company every last
cent due it. He will, doubtless, suggest some sort of settlement--ten
cents on the dollar--"
"Don't agree to it," Mr. Skinner pleaded. "He has more than a
thousand dollars a month going to his credit on our books from the
Unicorn charter, and if that vessel stays afloat a year longer we'll
be in the clear. Be very firm with him, Mr. Ricks. As you say, it is
all for his own benefit and the experience will do him a whole lot of
good."
"I love the boy," said Cappy; "but in the present case, Skinner, I
haven't any heart. A chunk of anthracite coal is softer than that
particular organ this morning. Be sure to show Matt in the minute he
comes up from the dock."
Mr. Skinner needed no urging when, less than two hours later, Captain
Matt Peasley arrived. Mr. Skinner greeted him courteously and
followed him into Cappy's office.
"Well, well, well!" Cappy began unctuously. "How do you do, Matt, my
dear boy? Glad to see you; in fact, we're extra glad to see you," he
added significantly and winked at Mr.
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