"I need it before Saturday," he said.
"Why do you? Won't this do?"
"The fact is," said Sam, "there's a fellow wants to buy it from me, and he wants it to-day, or he won't take it."
"Why do you want to sell your clothes, Sam?"
"Because I need the money."
"It seems to me you are managing very poorly. Rather than economize, you pawn your coat, and then try to sell it. So you are continually getting yourself into trouble."
"I know it," said Sam, "but I don't mean to do it again."
"If you'll take my advice you will leave your coat where it is till you are able to redeem it. Don't think of selling it, for a new one would cost you more than you will get for it."
This advice was good, but it did not apply to Sam's case, since he had no coat to pawn. It will easily be understood, therefore, that it proved unsatisfactory to him. He didn't reply, but finished his sweeping, and then, putting on his hat, he went to the post office for letters.