“Well, I'm very busy, Mr. Kelley. Come again this afternoon.”
“That will be too remote. I am very busy myself. Now is the accepted time. Will you open the door or shall I open it.”
The president opened it because it was a good door and he wanted to preserve it.
Black Jim turned the key in the door and sat down.
“What did you want of me?” says the president
“I wanted to see you about a certificate of deposit I've got here on your bank for eighteen dollars.”
“We can't pay it. Everything is gone.”
“Well, I am here to get $18 or to leave you looking like a giblet pie. Eighteen dollars will relieve you of this mental strain, but if you do not put up I will paper this wall with your classic features and ruin the carpet with what remains.”
The president hesitated a moment. Then he took a roll out of his boot and paid Jim eighteen dollars.
“You will not mention this on the street, of course,” said the president.