CHAPTER IX
A GOOD PLAN BLOCKED
I had promised to get to Barlow's as soon after eight as I could, and I was there at ten minutes past. Barlow welcomed me and led me to his office in the rear, and there I met with a surprise, for who should be sitting there in his office but Stigler, who ran the only other hardware store in town.
Stigler didn't attempt to rise when I came in; but just nodded curtly and said, "Howdy?"
I looked blank for a minute, and then said:
"I see you are busy, Mr. Barlow. I'll come in again."
"Sit right down, Dawson," he replied, "for if we are going to help each other on credits and on mail-order competition, we all need to get together, and it would not be fair for you and me to discuss this matter without asking Mr. Stigler's help also."
"Well," said Stigler, "if you fellers can show me anything that'll save me a dollar, I'm on. But I'm from Missouri! K-ha!"
His laugh was like the sound of a cork coming out of a bottle.
Barlow then explained to him what we purposed doing. When he had finished, Stigler said: