"I'm glad of that, but I don't quite understand, if that's so, why you're short of funds."
"It's clear you are not a business-man," said Richmond, laughing, "but I think I can explain to you how it is."
He did explain, and the explanation seemed very plausible, yet Job Stanton, who was a cautious man, hesitated.
This brought the trader to his closing argument: "You mustn't think, Uncle Job, that I expect this service for nothing. I am ready to pay you ten dollars for the accommodation, and to order a pair of shoes at your own price."
"That's handsome!" said Job; "and all I've got to do is to sign my name?"
"Just so. It's a mere formality. I shall have the money to pay the note twice over before it comes due."
"Then I wonder the major wants an indorser."
"Oh, it's his invariable custom. 'I know it isn't necessary, Mr. Richmond,' he told me, 'but it's my rule, and I won't break over it, even in your case. If you will get Job Stanton to indorse for you, it will be perfectly satisfactory. I know he is a poor man, but then it's only a form.'"
"Well, I don't know," said Job, doubtfully. "If Ben was here I would ask him."
"You mean your nephew, don't you?"