"I know you are; a hard-working, industrious, but poor man."
"And as such, entitled to some consideration."
"Entitled to a fair return for your labour, in all cases."
"Of course I am; and to some favour, in the distribution of employment, when I present equal capacity with those who are less needy than myself."
"What do you mean by that?"
"A plain story makes all plain. Well: you are aware that Mr. Clinton is about building a new dam for his mills?"
"I am."
"And that he asked for proposals?"
"Yes."
"I tried to get the contract."