CHAPTER XVIII. WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER.
Two days later two women entered Mr. Drummond's store. One was Joshua's customer, and she wore the same shawl which she had purchased of him.
It happened that Walter was out, but Mr. Drummond and Nichols were both behind the counter.
"Have you got any more shawls like this?" asked the first lady, whom we will call Mrs. Blake. "Mrs. Spicer, who is a neighbor of mine, liked it so well that she wants to get another just like it."
This was addressed to Mr. Drummond, who happened to be nearest the door.
"Did you buy this shawl of us?" asked Mr. Drummond.
"Yes, sir. I bought it about a fortnight ago, and paid five dollars for it."
"Five dollars! There must be some mistake. We never sell such a shawl as that for less than ten dollars."
"I can't help it," said Mrs. Blake, positively. "I bought it here, and paid five dollars for it."
"Why, those shawls cost me seven dollars and a half at wholesale. It is not likely I would sell them for five."