"Very well. I thought I should be able to buy this one for two or three dollars before night, for I didn't think any one else would want it."
Probably the example of Mr. Checkynshaw had some influence on the customer. If white mice and their habitations were really articles of merchandise, he was willing to pay the market price. Leo wrote down his name and residence, and assured the gentleman that he should have the mice on Monday; or, if he got the house done, on Saturday.
"Don't you want an establishment of this kind, Baxter?" asked Mr. Checkynshaw of a busy person who had worked his way through the crowd. "You have two or three boys."
Mr. Baxter examined the palace and its denizens, and answered that he did want one, though not till the banker informed him that he had purchased one. It is wonderful how things sell after a great man has purchased. The new customer did not want any two-dollar palaces; he desired one as good as any other person had, and he gave his order accordingly. If Mr. Checkynshaw was fool enough to pay six dollars for such an establishment, Mr. Baxter could not suffer in reputation by doing the same.
Leo was as happy as a lord. It was make, and not break.
"Leo," said the banker, "how is your father?"
"Better, sir, I thank you."
"I think I will go down and see him. He has shaved me for years. By the way, is your sister—what's her name?"
"Maggie, sir."
"Is Maggie at home?"