“What, are you a book agent?” he said, looking Frank over. “Why, you are nothing but a boy!”
“Nevertheless I sell books,” answered our hero. He did not like the manner in which he was addressed.
“What books are you trying to sell?”
“Those issued by Mr. Philip Vincent, of New York.”
“Pooh! And do you think they are of much account?” sniffed Grant Deems.
“I do.”
“Then you have never seen the line I carry, Mr. Hardy.”
“What house do you represent?”
“The Landon-Bolling Publishing Company, of Washington.”
Now, our hero had heard of the publishing house mentioned, and knew their books were far inferior to those issued by Mr. Vincent. The copyrights were old, the paper and binding poor, and the covers far from lasting.