“But do you know what it has done for the business? How it has taken a scramble of unprofitable competition and turned it into a smooth-running machine?”
“Something about it.”
“The Club meets—socially, of course, and nothing to interest the Sherman Law fellows. But we sort of talk things over friendly, and somebody quotes a price on clothespins, and another fellow says that sounds like a fair price, and they talk over market conditions and go home. But they all stick to the price mentioned. The last price was up-top, and we’re all making hay. But we don’t want anything to disturb the market.”
“Um!” said Jim, who was beginning to glean a hint of Mr. Welliver’s object.
“Conditions are about right now. Any increase in output will—unsettle matters.”
Jim remained silent.
“So,” said Mr. Welliver in his most friendly way, “the Club had a little meeting—”
“Part of it,” interjected Jim.
“All but you,” said Mr. Welliver. “Yes, we met casually, and talked it over, and here I am to advise you against adding those extra machines.”
“You’re a bit late,” said Jim. “They’re added.”