“Skip may have money now—but he ain’t honest. Nobody’s honest that’ll do what he’s d-done. We haven’t his money—but—but you can ask anybody in Wicksville about us—anybody. If we’re let alone we’ll pull through. If creditors come down on us we’ll b-bust—and there won’t be much for the creditors. Here’s your chance, Mr. Spillane, to give us a chance to make good or to play into the hands of a feller like Skip. The d-difference between us and Skip is, we’ll pay if we can and he’ll cheat you if he can. Now, sir, is it Skip or us?”
“Who thought up that auction scheme?”
“I did,” says Mark.
“Who thought up the beauty contest?”
“I did,” says Mark.
“Who thought up these other things you’ve told me?”
“I did,” says Mark.
“Young fellow,” says Mr. Spillane, “how’d you like to work for me?”
“F-f-fine,” says Mark, “but I’ve got something else to do now.”
“I’ll give you more than you can make out of the Bazar.”