peared and, watching him read it, she thought of Di's warning: Look out for a slump in the business influence of the First Baptist Church of Stanley.
Mr. Rountree sent immediately for Mr. Lowry, who brought no reassurance in regard to the Alban business. On the contrary, he had learned yesterday that Lew Alban was figuring seriously with the Slengels, who appeared to be confident of winning the business, for they were leasing additional space in a plant next to their own. By February, Mr. Lowry thought, the Slengels would be prepared to supply the Alban company.
By February, then, the Rountree plant, losing the Alban business, would be half idle and the other half operating at a loss. Nobody mentioned this but it was in the minds of both men and of Ellen.
"You'd better go down to Stanley, sir," advised Mr. Lowry; and in spite of herself, Di's image of Mr. Rountree and old Stanley Alban singing hymns together flashed into Ellen's mind. Would they together dispatch another missionary to China, with the immediate result that Mr. Rountree would return to Chicago with the usual Alban order?
"I'm leaving on the noon train," replied Mr. Rountree, and told Ellen to phone Beedy to bring down his bag.
"Now for something more cheerful," announced Mr. Lowry. "What do you hear from Jay? Is he still at Tryston?"
Mr. Rountree nodded, obviously wondering what cheer the salesmanager felt from that fact.
"Something has saved, temporarily, at least, the Metten account. Last week I wouldn't have given a nickel for
