“Would it be possible for you to let me have an automobile that could be operated from behind, so that my wife and I could sit in front and simply enjoy the ride?”
“Why, certainly,” said the man. “We have every style known to the most advanced makers.”
“And could I have shafts attached to it, so that if it broke down I could call in the services of some horse?”
“But, sir, our machines never break down. That is why we are selling one every minute in the working-day. Our agents are located in every known city of the earth, and our factories are running day and night, and in spite of it we are falling behind in our orders in a rapidly increasing ratio.”
“Is that so?” said Mr. Tucker, turning to leave the store. “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to go elsewhere, as I wanted one shipped to me to-morrow or next day. A birthday present for my wife, you understand.”
“Oh, I suppose,” said the wily salesman, “that I could let you in ahead of your turn if the payment were cash.”
“Of course the payment will be cash. That’s the only way I ever pay.”
A half-hour from that time John Tucker was being propelled through New York’s busy streets in a smoothly running, almost noiseless, automobile worked from behind, and its way led down to a harness store in Chambers Street. As yet there were no shafts, but he had provided for a pair.
Mr. Tucker went into the harness-store. “Good-day,” said he. “I want to buy a wooden horse like the one out in front, only covered with horse-skin.”
“Well, sir,” said the clerk, “we don’t manufacture them ourselves but we can order one for you. Going into the harness business?”