That any radical alteration could be made in his
method of recompense did not occur to him. So completely had he
identified himself with The Patriot that he subconsciously regarded
himself as essential to its prosperity if not to its actual existence.
Therein he was supported by all the expert opinion of Park Row. Already
he had accepted one modification of his contract, and his takings for
new circulation were now twenty-five cents per unit per year instead of
fifty cents as formerly.
But Tertius Marrineal and his business manager, a shrewd and practical
gentleman named Haring, had done a vast deal of expert figuring, as a
result of which the owner strolled into his editor's office one noon
with his casual air of having nothing else to do, and pleasantly
inquired:
"Busy?"
"If I weren't, I wouldn't be worth much," returned Banneker, in a
cheerful tone.
"Well, if you can spare me fifteen minutes--"
"Sit down." Banneker swiveled his chair to face the other.
"I needn't tell you that the paper is a success; a big success," began
Marrineal.
"You needn't. But it's always pleasant to hear."
"Possibly too big a success. What would you say to letting circulation
drop for a while?"
"What!" Banneker felt a momentary queer sensation near the pit of his
stomach.
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