After another ineffectual attempt to get it for two dollars and a
quarter, the Irish woman finally offered two dollars and forty-five
cents, and this offer was accepted.

She pulled out a paper of change and counted out two dollars and forty
cents, when she declared that she had not another cent. But the clerk
understood her game and coolly proceeded to put the coat back on the
pile. Then the woman very opportunely found another five-cent piece
stored away in the corner of her pocket.

"It's robbin' me, ye are," said she as she paid it over.

"Oh, no, ma'am, you are getting a great bargain," answered the clerk.

Joe had witnessed the bargaining with a good deal of quiet amusement. As
soon as the Irish couple had gone the clerk came toward the boy.

"Well, young man, what can I do for you?" he asked, pleasantly.

"I want a suit of clothing. Not an expensive suit, but one guaranteed to
be all wool."

"A light or a dark suit?"

"A dark gray."

"I can fit you out in a fine suit of this order," and the clerk pointed
to several lying in a heap nearby.