"Well, how did you make out, Mr. Brandon?" asked Gerald, of his fellow-clerk.
"I had bad luck. I spent over two dollars last evening."
"It wouldn't do for me to spend so much. I only receive three dollars a week."
"I couldn't get along without the billiard-room. After standing all day in this dull store I need a little recreation."
Gerald could not understand how Brandon could afford to spend so much money in the evening, or how he could have anything left for clothing and necessary expenses.
During the day he overheard a conversation between Mr. Tubbs and a neighbor.
"How is business, Tubbs?" asked the latter.
"I seem to do a good business," answered the grocer, "yet, I don't know how it is, I find it very hard to meet my bills as they come due."
"You are looked upon as a driving man."