up facts and fancies about the merchants; got my cards and price-book
handy; stuck four revolvers (samples) in my pockets; pulled my hat
down solidly on my head, and started out. And every step I took I,
figuratively, kicked myself for being there, and for being a blasted
fool generally. "JOHN O. JORDAN, GUNS AND REVOLVERS."

This was the legend that attracted my attention, and toward it I took
my way. I stopped at the window long enough to take a hasty inventory
of its contents, and from it I sized up my man. There were some goods
there that came from our store; this cheered me, I took courage,
walked in, and handed Mr. Jordan my card.

"We have done some business with you," I said, in my blandest tones,
"and Mr. Mallon always spoke pleasantly of you [this was a random
shot]; he has taken a wife unto himself, and I am making his trip."

"Why the devil don't you send me the goods I ordered last time from
him? Where are those British bull-dogs? Did he sell them too low, or
is my credit poor?"

Phew! There it was. I must first close up an old sore before I could
do anything else. I might have known it would be just so, but I was
such a pig-headed fool I hadn't thought of this.

"Tell me all about it, Mr. Jordan;" and he told it, with fire in his
eye. But he felt better for having told it. I knew nothing of it till
now, but I took out my book and said:

"Mr. Jordan, the goods will come now. You may depend upon it. How many
bull-dogs do you want?"