“We’ve got him hooked all right enough,” said Bert. “But, say, what was that yarn you were telling about some one looking at the room and liking it?”
“Oh, that was Harry, the night before last. He told me that he got Phin to show him the room, and that he thought it was cheap at three dollars.”
“Oh!” laughed Bert. “Well, you certainly got Johnny worried! I’ll bet he engages that room before night.”
But he didn’t. Having learned from Phin that it was still for rent, he stuck out for the twenty-five cent reduction. Phin would gladly have rented at that price, if only to be rid of Sanger’s importunities, but he had solemnly promised Harry that he’d hold out for the full price of three dollars a week, and meant to keep that promise. It was hard work, though, for Phin wanted very much to rent the room, and every time Sanger left him he feared that he wouldn’t come back. He sought Harry that evening and laid the matter before him.
“Of course,” said Phin, “I’d be glad to get that extra quarter, but I’d hate to lose the chance of renting the room, Harry. And I’m afraid now that Sanger will go somewhere else. Don’t you think I’d better tell him he can have it for two seventy-five?”
Harry hesitated, wondering whether a compromise wasn’t advisable. Finally:
“I tell you, Phin,” he said. “I’m going to hold you to your agreement until three o’clock to-morrow. After that you can let him have it for any price you like. How does that suit you?”
“Well, I suppose I’ve got to be satisfied,” said Phin with a smile. “Whose room is this, anyway, Harry?”
“It’s yours, old son, but you’re not able to rent it to the best advantage. That’s where I come in. I’m legal counsel, don’t you see? Hold on until three to-morrow, Phin, and I’ll guarantee that he will come around to your figure. Remember that it isn’t the twenty-five cents we’re fighting for, but the principle of the thing!”
“Oh,” said Phin, “is that it? And—er—what is the principle?”