"Did you buy many goods of the assignee?" he inquired.

"No."

"But I thought you meant to."

"I bought of Scott."

"What has he to do with it?"

"I found that he had bought the entire stock before I got into the office."

"What do you mean, pa? You're joking, ain't you?"

"No."

"Of course, Mr. Little," said Scott, "the sale must be ratified by my firm. I will, however, make a special request to that effect, and I don't anticipate that they will interfere with my arrangements."