We can discuss terms later. Under the present regime I have
been doing all the work in exchange for a happy home. I suppose you
won't want to spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar? In other words, you
would sooner have a happy, well-fed editor running about the place than
a broken-down wreck who might swoon from starvation?"
"But one moment," said Roland. "Are you sure that the present
proprietors will want to sell?"
"Want to sell," cried Mr. Petheram enthusiastically. "Why, if they know
you want to buy, you've as much chance of getting away from them
without the paper as--as--well, I can't think of anything that has such
a poor chance of anything. If you aren't quick on your feet, they'll
cry on your shoulder. Come along, and we'll round them up now."
He struggled into his coat, and gave his hair an impatient brush with a
note-book.
"There's just one other thing," said Roland. "I have been a regular
reader of 'Squibs' for some time, and I particularly admire the way in
which the Woman's Page----"
"You mean you want to reengage the editress? Rather. You couldn't do
better. I was going to suggest it myself.
Pages:
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86