“Yes, sir. I have a little money.”
Mr. Locke looked relieved.
“Of course,” continued he loftily, “doing the business we do, money is of comparatively little importance to us, except as a guarantee of fidelity. How much did you say you had?”
“I didn't say, sir. I could deposit twenty-five dollars with you.”
Mr. Locke shrugged his shoulders.
“That is very little,” he said.
“True, sir, but it is a good deal to me. It will be enough to insure my fidelity.”
“We had a young man here this morning,” said Mr. Locke musingly, “who was willing to deposit a hundred dollars with us.”
“Indeed, sir! I wonder you did not take him.”
“We should, so far as the money went, but I could see by his appearance that there was no business in him. Our clerk must be quick, sharp, alert. The young man was very much disappointed.”