Macnooder $5.10
The Tennessee Shad 1.70
Dink Stover 1.70
Dennis de B. de B. Finnegan 1.50
"Now," said Macnooder, when the articles were safely signed and the
capital paid up, "here's the way we work it. We've got to do two
things: first, conceal the way it's done until we sell it; and second,
keep those who buy from letting on."
"That's hard," said the Tennessee Shad.
"But necessary. I'm thinking out a plan."
"Of course the first part is a cinch," said Dennis. "A few extras,
etcetera, etceteray. It's putting the ribbons in the lingerie, that's
all."
"Exactly."
"You don't think it's selling goods under false pretenses?"
"Naw," said Macnooder. "Same principle as the patent medicine--the
only wheel that goes round there is a nice, fat temperance measure of
alcohol, isn't it? We'll have the first public demonstration
to-morrow afternoon. I'll distribute a few more pearls to-night. Ta,
ta."
The three sat quietly, listening to the fall of his departing steps.
"If we'd asked him in the first place," said the Tennessee Shad,
gazing out the window, "we'd only given up twenty-five per
cent.--great business head, Doc; great mind for detail."