wanted to see him on business, of course. He would not be at the store
that morning, but Mr. Birden was at the desk, yonder, if he would do.
Well, it was good to find one proprietor in; and he moved over to
Birden's desk, where that gentleman was busy opening the morning's
mail. He looked up at the approach of Smart, said "Good morning," and
waited for Solomon to tell his business.

"This is Mr. Birden?"

"Yes, sir," pleasantly.

Solomon had rather expected him to say, "This is Mr. Smart?" and to
hold out his arms, so he was somewhat disconcerted.

"I buy goods of your house occasionally."

"Yes? Whereabouts is your place?"

"North Portage."

"North Portage, eh? What is the name, please?"

"Smart."

"Yes." Solomon could see that he might as well have said Smith, so far
as Birden's seeming to recall it was concerned, and he began to get
angry.

"How is trade, Mr. Smart?"