"Well, I think I can," said Hugo with assumed hesitation, and then he explained on what terms he sold, as he had done to Jed.
"How many packages will you take?" he asked pleasantly.
"I guess I'll take a dozen to begin with," said the young man from the country.
"A dozen!" replied Hugo, much disappointed. "My, that's no order at all. You would have to come back for more before the day was out."
"Well, I'll take fifteen," said the young man after reflection.
"You'd better take fifty. Very few of our agents take less than fifty."
"No, I ain't got much money. I'll only take fifteen to begin with."
And to this determination he adhered, in spite of the persuasions of Mr. Higgins.
As Hugo wrapped up the packages and received back two dollars and twenty-five cents, he regretted that he had so hastily agreed to buy back Mr. Schmidt's boxes at an advance on the original cost.