“I guess it needs an experienced man with more capital than we now have to make a success of this,” he reasoned, and he was correct in his surmise. The two rivals carried big stocks, and both were very active, consequently more than three-quarters of the business of the town and vicinity went to them.
A few days later Mr. Hardy received a formal notification of what Jabez Garrison had done and was told that he must “make good” without delay or the benevolent order would sue him. Following this, Mr. Bardwell Mason paid him a visit.
“I am very sorry this has occurred,” said the gentleman from Philadelphia. “But business is business, and the order looks to me to have this matter straightened out.”
“I do not see what I can do excepting to give the bank notice to hold that money for you until we have time to look for Jabez Garrison,” answered Mr. Hardy.
“Have you the whole amount in the bank?”
“I have it, less five hundred dollars.”
“Where is that to come from, if I may ask?”
“I own my business and this house.”
“I see. Then there will be no trouble, Mr. Hardy. I am sorry to bother you at such a time as this. It looks like hitting a man when he is down. But you know what these orders are. They look to me to do my duty, and if I don’t do it some of the members will be sure to make trouble for me.”
“They are not very benevolent in my case.”