Ardmore produced his cigar-case and extended it to the stranger. The man, awed by the splendor of the case, accepted a cigar a little gingerly.
"Drummer, I reckon?"
"Commercial traveler, we prefer to be designated," replied Ardmore with dignity.
"I guess drummer's good enough down hyeh. What y'u carry?"
"Jugs. I'm in the jug business. Never had any business but jugs."
The man paused in lighting his cigar, stared at Ardmore over the flaming match, drew the fire into the cigar several times, then settled back with his hands in his pockets.
"Full 'r empty?"
"The jugs? Oh, empty jugs; but it's no affair of mine what becomes of the jugs afterwards."
"Y'u likely got samples with y'u?"
"Well, not many. You see my line is so well known I don't have to carry samples any more. The trade knows our goods."