I am not a
capitalist; I am a poor man."

"Oh, well, you're good for five hundred dollars."

"Yes," answered Job with some complacency; "my place here is worth twice
that, let alone the money I've got in the savings bank."

"Of course it is."

"Still, I don't want to run no risk. You'd better go to some moneyed
man--like Major Sturgis, for instance."

"Why, the fact is, Uncle Job, it's the major that lets me have the money
on my note, but he stipulated that I should have an indorser, and he
particularly mentioned you."

"That's cur'us!" said Job. "Why should he think of me?"

"Oh, he knew you were a reliable man."

"How does it happen that you need money?" asked Job, bluntly. "Isn't
your business good?"

"That's just it," said Richmond, glibly. "It's so good that I've got to
extend my stock, and that takes money. I'm turning money over all the
time, and it won't be long before I am able to retire."

"I'm glad of that, but I don't quite understand, if that's so, why
you're short of funds."

"It's clear you are not a business-man," said Richmond, laughing, "but I
think I can explain to you how it is."

He did explain, and the explanation seemed very plausible, yet Job
Stanton, who was a cautious man, hesitated.

This brought the trader to his closing argument: "You mustn't think,
Uncle Job, that I expect this service for nothing. I am ready to pay you
ten dollars for the accommodation, and to order a pair of shoes at your
own price."

"That's handsome!" said Job; "and all I've got to do is to sign my
name?"

"Just so. It's a mere formality. I shall have the money to pay the note
twice over before it comes due."

"Then I wonder the major wants an indorser."

"Oh, it's his invariable custom. 'I know it isn't necessary, Mr.
Richmond,' he told me, 'but it's my rule, and I won't break over it,
even in your case. If you will get Job Stanton to indorse for you, it
will be perfectly satisfactory. I know he is a poor man, but then it's
only a form.'"

"Well, I don't know," said Job, doubtfully. "If Ben was here I would ask
him."

"You mean your nephew, don't you?"

"Yes, the boy that went to California."

"I'm glad you mentioned him. As soon as he gets back send him to me and
I'll give him a place in my store. I've heard he's very smart."

"So he is," said Job, "and I'd like to have him with you, so that he
could come to see us once in a while. There ain't no openin' in
Hampton."

"Of course not."