McLaughlin turned to Perkins. "But we can't afford to lose him. He's too honest, too faithful, too loyal."
"I know his value as well as you do, but we don't want to put wise goggles on him."
"We've got to raise him sometime," McLaughlin urged mildly.
"Yes, but we won't do it till we have to. If he were a salesman, he'd make us do it. But a man in a cage—why the very fact that he stays in a cage—can't you see?"
"Then you would n't do it?"
"Of course not!"
"But how?"
"Bluff him—in a tactful way. Let him think we've nothing but his welfare at heart; that we love him too much to stand in his way; that it's breaking our hearts to lose him. Still, if he can better himself we'll have to stand the pain. You're an old poker-player, Mac; you know how to handle the situation."
"But supposing you're mistaken in Skinner? Supposing he hangs out for a raise?"
"If he does, we'll have to give it to him. Offer him ten dollars a week more. But remember, Mac, only as a last resort!"