“Yes, it is. Unless on the theory that you expect a decrease in your trade.”
Ahrens flushed.
“Not in our trade,” he asserted; “in yours. The Guardian’s a losing proposition.”
“You know why it’s losing—temporarily,” replied its owner, keeping his temper.
“It’s losing because it steps on too many folks’ toes. From now on we don’t need but half as much Guardian in our business. That’s all.”
“I see. This is our punishment, this half-space allowance.”
“You can call it that if you like.”
“Then, just to make it even, I’ll throw out the other half.”
“Wha-at?” gasped the thunderstruck merchant.
“You understand me, Ahrens. You’re out—every line of you.”