“Where will I find red calico?”
“In the far room to the left. Over there.” And he pointed to a distant corner.
I walked through the crowds of purchasers and salespeople, and around the counters and tables filled with goods, to the far room to the left. When I got there I asked for red calico.
“The second counter down this side,” said the man.
I went there and produced my sample. “Calicoes downstairs,” said the man.
“They told me they were up here,” I said.
“Not these plain goods. You’ll find ’em downstairs at the back of the store, over on that side.”
I went downstairs to the back of the store.
“Where will I find red calico like this?” I asked.
“Next counter but one,” said the man addressed, walking with me in the direction pointed out.