“Everything,” answered the official. “We charge in car-load lots $12 per ton to San Francisco, or $24 per ton to Pueblo, and $2.00 per ton in addition for each $100 per ton of the assay value of the ore.”
“Very well,” said Morning, “I believe I will ship thirty tons to San Francisco.”
“Have you it here?” said the agent.
“It will not be ready for some weeks yet,” replied Morning.
“You did not mention its value,” said the agent.
“I will state its value at $100 per ton,” said Morning.
“All right,” said the agent, “we will take it at that, subject, of course, to assay according to our rules by the assayer of the company at your expense.”
“Well, I don’t know that I care to trouble the assayer of your company,” replied Morning. “In fact, the ore is a good deal richer than $100 per ton. But I will ship it at that valuation, and release the company from all liability for loss or damage beyond that. In brief, I will take all the chances, and if the ore shall be lost, or stolen, or tumbled off a bridge, or overturned into a river, the company will only account to me for it at $100 per ton. I suppose that will be satisfactory?”
The agent shook his head.
“It looks as if it ought to be satisfactory,” said he, “but my orders are imperative. The ore must be assayed, and you will have to pay two per cent of its value.”