er to pay down now, I see; but if you would
like to have your bill remain awhile on credit at any time, we shall be
happy to trust you." "It is very kind in you, but I don't trade on
promises. 'Tain't my way. I thank ye all the same."

One day Uncle Josh happened to be in a merchant's store when the head of
the establishment was absent. The clerk who waited on him had the
pertness and superior airs of youth, sometimes seen even fifty years
ago. He thought it fine fun to chaff the old countryman so shabbily
dressed, and who drawled his words, and seemed so heavy and lumbering in
his movements. As his customer said he guessed he would take so much of
one thing, and then of another, the clerk said, "You are running up
quite an account, it seems to me. Dipping in pretty deep for a man like
you, hey?" "Perhaps I am," answered the old man; "I'll let 'em go," and
walked out of the store. Another clerk who had finished business with a
customer, came forward, and said to his fellow-clerk, "What made Mr.
Jackson go off so suddenly?" "Who? That old cove? I rather think he was
miffed at something I said about his dipping in deep. He didn't look as
if he could afford a mouse-trap." "He? why, he's worth his weight in
gold--always money down on the spot. If you've offended him, the
governor'll be in your hair, I can tell you." "Goodness!" cried the
terrified clerk, "I'll go after him, and bring him back," and off he
started in quick pursuit. He could easily distinguish the rusty-looking
suit, and limping, sidelong gait, even among the crowd of passengers on
the sidewalk. When he had nearly overtaken him, he called out, "Here,
sir, Mr. Jackson! Please stop," but the countryman still continued to
move on at his slow pace. The clerk came up to him, and touched his hat,
saying, "Please excuse me, Mr. Jackson. I am sure I didn't mean
anything. I hope you will go back to the store, and let us wait on you.
I am sure Mr. ---- would be so sorry to miss your custom. I hope you will
excuse--" "You can go back to the store, young man," answered Mr.
Jackson, "and tell your master I don't trade on excuses."

When the honest old man was gathered to his fathers, those who had known
him in trade missed him. He always recognized a good article, and was
willing to pay a fair price for it. He believed in a system of just
equivalents in all business; he was exact to the smallest fraction, but
not mean. He was simple, upright, honest, in all his dealings,