“I buy goods of your house occasionally.”
“Yes? Whereabouts is your place?”
“North Portage.”
“North Portage, eh? What is the name, please?”
“Smart.”
“Yes.” Solomon could see that he might as well have said Smith, so far as Birden's seeming to recall it was concerned, and he began to get angry.
“How is trade, Mr. Smart?”
“Rather dull just at present.”
“Sorry to hear that; hope it will improve. You have a memorandum for some of our goods, Mr. Smart? Let me call one of the men to wait on you. Church, look here.”
And before Solomon had time to open his mouth he was introduced to Church, who shook hands with him, linked his arm through his, and had him half way to the sample room. They were getting on well till Church asked: “Let me see, Mr. Smart, where is your place?”