3368. In other words, the effect of the lines and of paying in goods is, that these sellers of hosiery are bound to take their goods at your shop, instead of another; and therein lies your profit?-Of course. We just have our profit on the goods. We have two sales for one profit.
3369. But you say that although you suspected, and had heard from rumour, that these lines were commonly exchanged for money or for other goods than you dealt in, you have known of no particular case except the one you have mentioned?-No.
3370. Have you known of cases where goods which had been delivered in return for hosiery had been exchanged by the women for other goods or for cash?-I could not point out any case.
3371. Did you ever hear of any case?-I could not point out any one.
3372. But did you ever hear of any such case?-I have heard that rumour, the same as I heard of the other thing.
3373. Have the women told you that themselves?-Yes; just speaking of it among the crowd in the shop.
3374. You don't remember the names of these women?-I do not.
3375. Have you any doubt at all that that is done?-No; I am led to believe that it is done.
3376. How are you led to believe that?-Because I have heard the vague report so often-not once, but several times.
3377. Does that report lead you to believe that it is done to any great extent?-I could not say to what extent.