"Yes, you may well say that."
"By the way, have you answered Ezra Little's letter?"
"No; I shall answer it in person to-morrow, after I have concluded arrangements with your friend."
About two o'clock the next day, the inventor took his way to Ezra Little's dry-goods store on Eighth Avenue. He sent in his name and was admitted.
He was a welcome visitor, for Mr. Little, who was a practical man, had a fair conception of the value of his invention, and meant to make a fortune out of it—for himself. As for the poor inventor, he cared little for him.
Henry Babcock entered the merchant's presence, and was bidden to take a seat.
"I received a letter from you, Mr. Little," he said.
"Yes. I offered you thirty-five dollars for your invention."
"That seems to me very small."