the business she was on.

"Why, my dear, good lady!" said Topman, grasping her hand with a freedom
indicating that they had been old friends. "Your husband and me--why, we
were old friends. If there is any man in the world I respect and admire,
that man is Captain Price Bottom. If there is any man living I would
rather make a fortune for than do anything else, that man is Captain
Price Bottom. Yes, madam, not many years ago I used to swear by Captain
Price Bottom; and if Captain Price Bottom was here to-day, I will
venture to assert, on the word of a gentleman, there is no man who would
sooner swear by your humble servant--"

"I am so real glad! My husband made friends wherever he went,"
interrupted the little woman.

"Glad! glad!" resumed Topman, "so am I. God bless him, wherever he goes!
Go back, madam, and get all your neighbors interested in this great
enterprise. Tell them the managers are old friends of your husband. Get
them to bring in their money, madam, and secure a fortune!" Mr. Topman
now showed the little woman the discolored dollars, a matter of great
importance, which Mr. Gusher had omitted.

"Our motto is, madam, 'Never invest your money until you have seen your
basis.' If you see your basis, and it is satisfactory, then come down
with your money and await your fortune. You see the basis, now put your
faith in the firm!" concluded Mr. Topman, politely bowing the little
woman out. She took her departure for home, fully satisfied that she had
a good friend in Mr. Topman, and that she had made a permanent
investment.