ved that money was an object to him, and that, rather than not
have the sale confirmed, he would let it be closed at ten dollars a
piece, on a note at six months. So firmly was he impressed with this
idea, that he finally concluded to assume, boldly, that ten dollars
was the price agreed upon, and to affect surprise that the bill
expressed any other rate.

In due time, the goods were delivered and the bill sent in.
Immediately upon this being done, Eldon called upon the merchant and
said, in a confident manner, as he laid the bill he had received
upon his desk.

"You've made a mistake, haven't you?"

"How?"

"In charging these goods."

"No. I told you the price would be ten and a quarter, didn't I?"

"I believe not. I understood the terms to be ten dollars, at six
months."

"You offered that, but I positively refused it."

"I am sure I understood you as accepting my offer, and ordered the
goods to be sent home under that impression."

"If so, you erred," coolly replied Lladd.

"I can't take them at the price called for in this bill," said
Eldon, assuming a positive air, and thinking, by doing so, Lladd
would deem it his better policy to let the goods go at ten dollars.

"Then you can send them home," replied the merchant, in a manner
that offended Eldon.

"Very well, I will do so, and you may keep your goods," he retorted,
betraying, as he spoke, a good deal of warmth.

And the goods were sent back, both parties feeling offended; Lladd
at the glaring attempt made to overreach him, and Eldon because the
other would not submit to be overreached.

On the day following, Eldon started out in search of another lot of
the goods he wanted, and thought himself fortunate in meeting with
some in the hands of a dealer named Miller, but demurred when twelve
dollars and a half a piece were asked for them.

"I can't take less," was replied.

"But," said Eldon, "Lladd has the same article for ten and a half."

"You don't pretend to put his goods alongside of mine?" returned
Miller.

Eldon examined them more closely.

"They are better, it is true. But the difference is not so great as
the price."

"Look again."

Another close examination was made.

"They are finer and thicker certainly. But you ask too much for
them."

"It's my lowest price. They will bring it in the market, which is
now bare."

"Won't you let me have a dozen pieces at twelve dollars?" asked
Eldon.

"Can't sell a piece for less than