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334 particular course of action. Whatever he does must be sent to this office for confirmation. You may perhaps understand, Lord Stranleigh, that one of the difficulties of those in authority is to repress undue zeal on the part of the less important servants of the company."

"Why, I should think a visit to your office, Mr. Preston, would very effectually accomplish that," said Stranleigh with his gentlest smile, but there was no answering smile on the lips of the General Manager. He went on as icily, as emotionless, as before.

"It is, therefore, our rule that every proposal must be sent to me, and if approved by the board of directors my signature then makes it binding on the company. We should have chaos otherwise."

"I quite appreciate the position, Mr. Preston, and I think your method is most admirable. It has been said that a corporation has neither a body to be kicked nor a soul to be damned, yet it must possess an intellect that may be appealed to upon occasion. We are here, not to demand any right, nor to stand on technicality, but to arrive at some mutually satisfactory arrangement that will be fair to both parties."

"I can come to no arrangement in this matter," said Preston with a snap of the jaws that at least was human, if decisive.

"Oh, don't say that, Mr. Preston," pleaded