After some time these were produced, also a pen and a bottle of ink. Barry sat down at one of the tables generally used for bar customers, and in a short time produced a letter which he handed to Jed.
It ran thus:
Dear Horace:
This letter will be handed to you by a talented young friend, who is in search of a business position. Mr. J. Gilman is in my judgment possessed of superior business qualifications, and will prove a valuable man in your store. I advise you to engage him at once.
Your old friend,
Hamilton Barry.
This note was placed in an envelope directed to Horace B. Claflin. In the corner Barry wrote: "To introduce Mr. J. Gilman."
"There," he said. "Take this letter round to Claflin and he will undoubtedly give you a good place."
He spoke with so much confidence that Jed was led to think himself in luck to be the recipient of such a testimonial.
"Thank you," he said. "I feel very much obliged."
"Oh don't mention it!" said Barry in an airy way. "It gives me pleasure to assist you, Mr. Gilman, I assure you. When you have ascended round by round until you are at the top of the ladder, I trust you will not forget your chance acquaintance, Hamilton Barry."