"Just let me see what sum you are tryin'." His roommate handed him the books, and he read the following example:
"John Smith borrowed $546.75 at 7 per cent., and repaid it at the end of two years, five months and six days. What amount was he required to pay?"
"Can you do that?" asked Sam.
"I think so; it isn't very hard."
"I never could do it; it's too hard."
"Oh, yes, you could, if you had gone over the earlier part of the arithmetic."
"What's the use of it, any way?"
"Don't you see it's business? If you are going to be a business man, you may need to understand interest. I shouldn't expect to be promoted if I didn't know something about arithmetic. I am only an errand boy, now, and don't need it."
"I wish I knew as much as you. What else do you study?"
"I practice writing every evening. Here is my writing-book."