CHAPTER XXI.
HIRAM'S SON In Hiram Ranger's last year the Ranger-Whitney Company made half a million; the first year under the trustees there was a small deficit.
Charles Whitney was most apologetic to his fellow trustees who had given him full control because he owned just under half the stock and was the business man of the three.

"I've relied wholly on Howells," explained he.
"I knew Ranger had the highest opinion of his ability, but evidently he's one of those chaps who are good only as lieutenants.

However, there's no excuse for me--none.

During the coming year I'll try to make up for my negligence.

I'll give the business my personal attention." But at the end of the second year the books showed that, while the company had never done so much business, there was a loss of half a million; another such year and the surplus would be exhausted.