Pat loved the General. A woman's apron was the bond that bound the poor Irish boy to the fine old soldier, and it was with the smile that the boy kept exclusively for him that he stepped in at the open door of the bank.
The General was engaged, but he found time to answer the smile and to say in his most genial tone, "In a moment, Pat."
He was soon at liberty, and then he said, "Now, Pat, what is it?"
"Please, sir, have you any one place where you want me to be tradin', or am I to buy where the goods suit me?"
"Are you doing the marketing to-day, Pat?"
"Yes, sir. Mrs. Brady give me leave."
"And what is your own idea about trading?"
"Buy where you can do the best for the money, sir," was the prompt reply.
The banker looked at him thoughtfully. He had the key to Pat's future now. He knew along what line to push him, for he was determined to push Pat. And then he said, "Buy where you think best. But did Mrs. Brady give you money?"
"She did, sir. This creditin' is poor business. Show 'em your money, and they'll do better by you every time."