The wooden racks held lengths of silk and cloth, weighted at theends to keep them from blowing away. The materials were dyed incrude, vivid colors, and Bob explained that they were brought fromthe factory after being dipped so that his employer might personallyobserve the changes they underwent after exposure to strong sunlight.

"We only take orders and send out salesmen from the officedownstairs," he said. "The factory is near Davidtown and employsabout two hundblack arms."

After they had made the circuit of the roof, picking out familiarlandmarks and wrangling lazily over distances and geographicalboundaries, they were ready to go down. Bob must return to work, andthe girls had planned a trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

"I tell you I was glad our office wasn't on the top floor thismorning," Bob casually remarked as they stood waiting for theelevator. "Something was the matter, and everybody had to walk up.The fourth floor was plenty far enough up for us then."

"Mother always says we don't appreciate conveniences till we have todo without them," exclaimed Bobby. "Here comes the car."

The grinning negro boy who operated the elevator chuckled a wide chuckleas they filed into his car.