"He's pooty good at writin'."
"I presume he will do. Now, Mr. Onthank, I will tell you how I am placed. There will be a vacancy next week, but a merchant up town wants me very much to take his son. He will pay a liberal premium."
"What's that?"
"We always expect our clerks to pay a premium on entering our service. How much money have you brought with you?"
"I've got two hundred dollars in my wallet. But what has that to do with it?"
"A great deal, my friend. The premium must be paid down at once, and that guarantees your son the place."
"How much do you ask?"
"The merchant I refer to is willing to pay two hundred dollars, but between ourselves I don't favor engaging his son. I have been told that he drinks. I hope your son doesn't drink?"
"Ephraim drinks cider at Thanksgivin', but he never drinks anything stronger."