And without further ado, Cappy swung his aged legs up on to his desk and slid down in his swivel chair until he rested on his spine. His head sank on his breast and he closed his eyes.
"He's framing the examination for Andrews," Matt Peasley whispered, as he and Skinner made their exits.
II
The President emeritus of the Ricks' interests was not destined to uninterrupted cogitation, however. Within ten minutes his private exchange operator called him to the telephone.
"What is it?" Cappy yelled into the transmitter.
"There is a young man in the general office. His name is Mr. William E. Peck and he desires to see you personally."
Cappy sighed. "Very well," he replied. "Have him shown in."
Almost immediately the office boy ushered Mr. Peck into Cappy's presence. The moment he was fairly inside the door the visitor halted, came easily and naturally to "attention" and bowed respectfully, while the cool glance of his keen blue eyes held steadily the autocrat of the Blue Star Navigation Company.
"Mr. Ricks, Peck is my name, sir--William E. Peck. Thank you, sir, for acceding to my request for an interview."