said he. "Can I do any thing here?"

"What have you?" asked Mr. Jones.

"Ten boxes of tobacco, fifty prime hams, ten boxes Havana cigars,
some rice, &c."

Now, these were the very articles Mr. Jones wanted, and which he
would have to purchase in a day or two. But he affected indifference
as he inquired the price. The current market rates were mentioned.

"No temptation," said Mr. Jones, coldly.

"They are prime articles, all; none better to be had," said the
dealer.

"If I was in immediate want of them, I could give you an order;
but"----

"Will you make me an offer?" inquired Armor, somewhat earnestly. "I
have a good deal of money to raise to-day, and for cash will sell at
a bargain."

Mr. Jones mused for some time. He was not certain whether, in making
or requiring an offer, he would get the best bargain out of his
needy customer. At last he said--

"Put down your prices to the very lowest figure, and I can tell you
at a word whether I will close out these lots for you. As I said
before, I have a good stock of each on hand."