Mr. R.—“Yes, sir, I am.”

Agent.—“My name is Weldon; I am representing the Banner people of New York.”

Mr. R.—“In what line?”

Agent.—“Selling their new encyclopedias. I understand you are quite a reader, and I thought I would drop in and see if I could not interest you.”

Mr. R.—“Times are too hard to buy encyclopedias.”

Agent.—“Yes, I know times are hard.”

Mr. R.—“Besides, I am not fixed to take care of a set of that kind. I could not possibly afford it.”

Agent.—“Certainly, if you don’t want them I won’t insist, but—you know what they are, don’t you.”

Mr. R.—“Oh, I guess so.”

Agent.—“And if you had a set in your library you would certainly appreciate them, wouldn’t you?”