IV
Wright stalked into Joe’s office one morning and slapped an open letter down on his desk. Evidently he was red hot.
“What do you think of that?” he demanded. The communication was brief and business-like:
BARKER & SMITH
Contractors—Builders
Oshkook, June 10th.The Kent Lumber Co., Falls City.
Dear Sirs: Referring to our correspondence as to a quantity of lumber f.o.b. Falls City, we would say that we will not require same from you, having been quoted a more favourable rate. Regretting that in this instance we must place our order elsewhere, we are,
— Yours truly, Barker & Smith.
Joe whistled dismally. Barker & Smith were large contractors and retail dealers. The quantity of lumber referred to was large, and the contract had been all but closed; in fact, he was not sure that it had not been closed. After consultation with Wright he had quoted the firm a rock bottom cash price because he needed the money more than the lumber. Now he was thrown down hard.
“Well, some one underbid us,” he said, trying to hide his disappointment. “That’s all there is to it.”
“Nobody could underbid us and get out even,” said Wright. “We figured our margin down to a hair-line. I’ll bet a hundred to one they can’t get it cheaper without stealing.”
“They say they can, and I suppose it goes,” said Joe wearily. “Hang it, I thought it was as good as closed!”
“Same here; and I’m not sure it isn’t,” said Wright. “They practically agreed to take the stuff from us.”
“Show the correspondence to Locke then, and see what he says,” Joe suggested.