“WELL, GUY, which way shall we go to-night? Do you feel inclined for a game of billiards before supper?”
The speaker adjusted his hat in front of a looking-glass, drew a stray lock of hair over one of his ears, turned his head from side to side to assure himself that his toilet had been completed, and looked over his shoulder toward Guy Harris, who, having just rendered to the book-keeper an account of the cash that had passed through his hands during the day, was buttoning his coat preparatory to leaving the store. The question was asked in a low tone and was accompanied by a sidelong glance toward Mr. Walker, who was standing at the book-keeper’s desk.
“I don’t know,” replied Guy hesitatingly. “I’ve been out a good deal of late, and I think I had better begin to stop at home once in a while of an evening.”
“Oh, nonsense!” exclaimed the first speaker, whom we will call Jones, and who was one of the drummers or commercial travelers employed to sell goods for the firm of Harris & Walker. “What is the use of moping in the house all the while? When one has been hard at work all day he wants some recreation in the evening, I take it.”
“I know that,” said Guy, “but to tell the truth, Jones, I don’t get as much money for my services as you do, and I can’t stand this ‘bumming round’ as you call it.”
“Funds giving out? Then run your face.”
“I have been doing just that very thing. I am deeply in debt, too.”
“Oh, that’s nothing when you get used to it? Show me a clerk in this city who is not in debt, and I will show you five that are.”
“But my creditors want me to pay up; at least I judge so from the way they are beginning to look at me every time I see them.”
“Well, if they become impatient, just say to them that if they get the money before you do, you would be pleased to know it. Are you all ready? If you are, come on. I have only this evening and one more that I can spend with you, for I must start off on my travels again early on Wednesday morning.”