The railway, stretching, clacking, rocking and endless to the destination. A major port on the coast. Mark was dressed in his best clothes, for today was the day that he was going to buy his first ton of black pepper corns. Not much on which to build a fortune.

He was also feeling somewhat inferior. Mark�s reasoning was .. Here he was going to purchase a mere ton of peppercorns, whilst the Spice and Botanic Merchant that he was directed to see, was a Director of a Global Shipping Concern. He felt dwarfed indeed.

Shortly after the clip clop of the cab horse had faded Mark was being ushered into a tastefully furnished office .. old but not too old, sort of atmosphere. He was politely asked to be seated, and then asked .. would he prefer tea or coffee? Some polite chit chat, and when the beverages had been consumed, it was down to business.

The business was conducted quickly, cleanly, and on favourable terms to Mark. He could not believe his luck. Then he was asked .. would he care for a little light luncheon to fortify himself for the return journey ?. . Whilst they both politely ate, Mark, said .. Sir I thank you for your honour and your courtesy but why for such a minnow as me?

The 3 Big Spice Millers were also in the business of import and export and very powerful they were too .. with a perchant for squashing any form of possible opposition. As a small spice miller Mark had realised that he had been sold a ton of pepper at the 50 ton price.

Ohhhh! those �Spice Millers� .. said the Merchant in a haughty tone .. Well he said briskly �I do not owe them any favours, and neither do they owe any to me.

If it is in their thinking that they can suppress the acorns sprouting in their shade .. then they are greatly mistaken .. For if we do not nurture the young bloods then who in the future will nurture we?

Oh and before you leave .. remember this .. Always keep your scales well balanced. And here is my signed authorization to the warehousing superintendent to release to you a ton of Finest Penang Black Pepper Corns, full strength � The authorization docket safely in his pocket, Mark hurried from the room rejoicing in his fortune and Brimming full of admiration for the honest Merchant.

Ivor Hughes
Dedicated to Rosanna.
Auckland New Zealand
19^th April 2006.