"Is this your first trip?"

"Yes, and my last. I'm not cut out for the road. I don't suppose I
could sell you anything even if you wanted it; I'm not a success."

"Pooh; pooh! I've been on the road myself; it is not always fair
sailing, and it is not always foul. Keep a stiff upper lip."

Yes, keep a stiff upper lip, when goods were being sold at cost all
around you! I was not built that way. Just then the book-keeper, Tom,
handed a memo to Whipper and he turned to me. "Have you Quickenbush
rifles?"

"Yes; blued and plated. Regular price, $5. I'll make you special price
if you want any."

"What will you do?"

They cost us $4.50 at the factory; I quoted $4.75.

"Great Caesar! You are high!"

"Yes? Well, it is the best I can do."

"Make it $4.50 and we will take twelve."

"No, sir; it can't be done. But I am afraid there is no use in my
trying to sell you. If you can get them at $4.50 you can buy as low as
we can."