In about an hour the groceries and a sack of flour were brought to the door. I ordered them inside, and then the bill was presented. I folded it and put it my pocket, saying:
"Just tell Mr. —— to charge this."
"All right sir," the boy replied and drove off.
In less than twenty minutes the proprietor came rushing down fairly frothing at the mouth, and in a high state of exasperation rapped at the door, and when admitted asked excitedly what in thunder I meant.
I coolly explained that we simply meant to try and exist another day or two if buckwheat flour and coffee and sugar would keep us alive.
He said I couldn't live on his flour and coffee.
I politely informed him that I had no use for his, as I had plenty of my own just then.
"Well, why in thunder did you come and 'stand me off' in this way if you had plenty of your own?"
"But my dear sir, I had none of my own before I called on you."