If our advertising revenue increases, as it
naturally should, your percentage might easily rise above your earnings
under the old arrangement."
"I see," commented Banneker thoughtfully. "You propose to make it worth
my while to walk warily. As the pussy foots it, so to speak."
"I ask you to recognize the fairness of the proposition that you conduct
your column in the best interests of the concern--which, under the new
arrangement, would also be your own best interests."
"Clear. Limpidly clear," murmured Banneker. "And if I decline the new
basis, what is the alternative?"
"Cut down circulation, and with it, loss."
"And the other, the real alternative?" queried the imperturbable
Banneker.
Marrineal smiled, with a touch of appeal in his expression.
"Frankness is best, isn't it?" propounded the editor. "I don't believe,
Mr. Marrineal, that this paper can get along without me. It has become
too completely identified with my editorial idea. On the other hand, I
can get along without it."
"By accepting the offer of the Mid-West Evening Syndicate, beginning at
forty thousand a year?"
"You're well posted," said Banneker, startled.
"Of necessity. What would you suppose?"
"Your information is fairly accurate."
"I'm prepared to make you a guarantee of forty thousand, as a minimum.
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