and I've never gotten over it. You know how a habit gets a grip on a
man, don't you, Matt? Oh, if you had only overruled me when I decided
to save money by cutting out the wireless on the _Narcissus!_ I
remember now you wanted it, and I said: 'Well, what's the use? The
_Narcissus_ hasn't any passenger license and she doesn't have to have
wireless--so why do something we don't have to do?' Skinner, you
should have known enough--"

"I am managing the lumber end of the business, Mr. Ricks," Skinner
retorted icily.

"Never mind what you're managing. You're my balance wheel. I've raised
you for that very purpose. I've been twenty-five years breaking you in
to your job of relieving me of my business worries--and you don't do
it. No, you don't, Skinner. Don't deny it, now. You don't. I pay you
to boss me, but do you do it? No, sir. You let me have my own
way--when I'm round you're afraid to say your soul's your own. You two
boys know blamed well I'm an old man and that an old man will make
mistakes. It is your duty to watch me. I pay the money, but I don't
get the service. When Matt argued with me about the wireless you sided
in with me, Skinner. You've got that infernal saving habit, too--drat
you! Don't deny it, Skinner. I can see by the look in your eye you're
fixing to contradict me. You're as miserable a miser as I am--afraid
to spend five cents and play safe--you penurious--er--er--fellow!
Skinner, if you ever forget yourself long enough to give three hoots
in hell you'll want one of them back. See now what your niggardly
policy has done for us? At a time when we'd hock our immortal souls
for a wireless to talk to Mike Murphy and tell him things, where are
we?" Cappy snapped his fingers. "Up Salt Creek--without a paddle!"