"Here, Wilkins," said the floor-walker, "attend to this young man. What house do you represent?"
"None, sir," answered Jed uncomfortably, feeling out of place.
"Ah, you want to buy at retail. Go into the next room."
"No, sir, I didn't come to buy anything," stammered Jed. "I have a letter for Mr. Claflin."
The great merchant is now dead, but at the time of Jed's call he was living.
"Wilkins, you may take the letter and carry it to Mr. Claflin."
Wilkins took the letter from Jed's hands, walked across the room, and ascended to Mr. Claflin's office on the second floor. He reappeared within five minutes and signaled to Jed to approach.
"Mr. Claflin will see you," he said. "Follow me."
Presently Jed found himself in the presence of the great merchant, who surveyed him curiously.
"Are you Mr. J. Gilman?" he asked.