"Where would you advise me to sell?" asked the young man.
"Country towns are best," said Hugo. "Some distance from the city, I advise, as those who live near New York can come here and buy, and are less ready to patronize agents."
Jed smiled to himself. He understood that Mr. Higgins wished to guard against a visit from the young man in case his business failed to meet his anticipations. He lingered behind after the rural visitor had gone.
"I hope," said Hugo, "you took no stock in what that stupid Dutchman said."
"Well," replied Jed, "it shows that some of your agents are not successful."
"A man like that could not succeed in selling anything," said Hugo scornfully. "Now it is different with you. You look smart."
Jed smiled. He began to understand Mr. Higgins and his methods.
"Then you remember the letters from the agents which I read you."
"Yes," answered Jed, but he felt convinced now that the letters were bogus, and manufactured by Mr. Higgins himself.