Argosy All-Story Weekly, April 28, 1928 — page 100: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

930 to gain an idea or two that may lead to a new line of experimentation. f don’t think I need to say that your name was the first suggested, and I have therefore come to you before see- ing any of the others.” Davis cleared his throat and knitted his brows in an attitude of concentra- tion. ‘Is this an interview for publica- tion?” he demanded. “Tt might be,” admitted Rodney. “That is, if you have no objections. Otherwise it will be entirely confiden- tial.” “Um—yes. Well, I see nothing particularly confidential about it. You are at liberty to publish my remarks if you wish.” “Thank you,” said Rodney. “ Well,’ droned Mr. Davis, while Rodney industriously took notes in what he considered looked like short- hand, “to my mind a skipple should be—” The skipple is a highly technical lit- tle instrument that is necessary in the manufacture of certain articles—such as glimps—and a recital of its points would be tiring to any one but a per- son directly interested in its peculiar mechanism. We will, therefore, skip Mr. Davis’s speech and take up the conversation a half hour later. “Thank you very much,” said Rod- ney, as Mr. Davis stopped for breath. “Vou have helped us wonderfully. Now, I would like to ask one more favor of you. I have here some de- tails regarding our plant, its equipment and the skipple itself, and I would like to have you look over it and express your opinion on any phases you may care to remark.” He handed Mr. Davis the pages he had typed the night before. Mr. Davis frowned as he noted its bulk, but could hardly refuse such a request, so started to look through them. “ We are not conceited at our place,” went on Rodney. ‘ We believe that we can only improve by criticism— ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. that is, unbiased and constructive criti- cism by competent persons. So don’t spare us. Give me your frank opinion of anything you wish.” Davis grunted an acknowledgment of the remarks, but was engrossed in the statement Rodney had prepared. Word for word he read it, and, notic- ing his concentration, Rodney was amused. Several times Davis seemed about to speak, but always the next sentence seemed to halt him. Finally he turned the last page and handed the manu- script to Rodney. “ Nothing to criticize,” he said re- luctantly. ‘‘ You seem to have a fine article there, in fact, about what I specified to you. Um-m—what price are you quoting?” V. Har an hour before closing time Rodney walked into Gordon’s office and threw a document on Gordon’s desk. “What’s that?” asked Gordon. “ That’s a signed and sealed contract with the Seminole Glimp Company,” answered Rodney. “ Read it and give thanks.” “Good boy!” applauded Gordon. “Fine work, Witt. I knew you could do it. Just followed my suggestion, didn’t you?” ” ee No 97 “You didn’t r” ““ No—just the reverse.” “Well, how did he happen to sign this ?”’ “It’s a long story, but (ll make it short. I happened on a book the other night that showed me where we had been making a big mistake in thinking we could shoot merely facts at Davis and make a sale. The fact is—he can’t absorb facts! He’s not the type. Ever hear of characterology? “Well, that’s a science that shows you what a man’s characteristics are by the shape and size of his features. Go OOOKS AMUN (C@