Late that afternoon Tony was richer by a few dollars.
"You one ver' good frien', sare," protested the delighted Tony. "Me? I your ver' good frien', too. I do anything for you, sare—try me!"
"I'm getting Tony about where I want him," thought Mr. Brimmer. "Just a little more help to him, and then I'll spring my idea on him."
Thanksgiving had gone by, and now the Christmas Holidays were nearing. Brimmer was playing his game slowly, and without the slightest risk to himself. Tony must take all the risk. If the Greek got into any trouble Brimmer could deny all knowledge of the matter.
One Saturday afternoon, just before Christmas Midshipman Brimmer came down Main Street, looked in and found the Greek standing alone in his shop.
"Howdy, Tony," was the midshipman's greeting, as he sauntered into the store.
"Hullo, my good frien', sare."
"Wish you a Merry Christmas, Tony."
"I don' know, sare, I don' know," replied the Greek, shaking his head.
"Why, isn't business good now, Tony?"