“That was before the war. To tell the truth, old rubbish, last August I couldn’t have seen it with the Lick telescope. Thought you were a great scout, of course––good pal––all that––but business; that’s different. A friend’s one thing; but a partner’s a lot of ’em.”
Henry was staring fixedly at him. “I wouldn’t have any money to speak of––”
“Then don’t speak of it. I’ll name the price. The price is your year’s profit on the Orpheum.”
There was a little silence. “When did you get this hunch, Bob?”
“Oh, about last February.”
“But it was about then that I came in here 268 one day, and––and you said you––you said one pal couldn’t boss another. You said––”
“Oh!... But as I recall it, you were talking about a job.”
“Yes, and you said you wouldn’t give me one! And ever since then I’ve been––”
“Idiot!” said Standish. “Is that what’s been gnawing at his tender heart! Why, you astigmatic fool––why.... Stop right there! Certainly I wouldn’t have you for an employé, but as a partner––that’s different. If you apologize, I’ll slay you. Shake hands and wipe it off your brain.... Now let’s get back to business. We’ve got to have quick action.”