“I don't see how he came to pay such a price.”
“Because he wanted me to take care of the post office. I know all about it, and he doesn't.”
“As soon as he learns, he will reduce your wages.”
“Then I shall leave him.”
“Well, I hope you'll like store work better than I do.”
The next two or three days were spent in removing the post office to one corner of Eben-ezer Graham's store. The removal was superintended by Herbert, who was not interfered with to any extent by his employer, nor required to do much work in the store. Our hero was agreeably surprised, and began to think he should get along better than he anticipated.
At the end of the first week the storekeeper, while they were closing the shutters, said: “I expect, Herbert, you'd just as lieves take your pay in groceries and goods from the store?”
“No, sir,” answered Herbert, “I prefer to be paid in money, and to pay for such goods as we buy.”
“I don't see what odds it makes to you,” said Ebenezer. “It comes to the same thing, doesn't it?”
“Then if it comes to the same thing,” retorted Herbert, “why do you want to pay me in goods?”