not like their traveling man; but now he would have bought of Old Nick
rather than buy of Luce. He went over to Keeler's and again introduced
himself (the task was getting as disagreeable as it was monotonous),
saying he wanted to buy some goods. The gentleman made an excuse to go
to the desk for a moment, and Solomon knew it was to consult the
reference book as to his standing; having found that satisfactory he
proceeded to show him through the stock. The goods were not nearly so
much to his taste as was Luce's stock, but he bought lightly, and
considered that he was punishing Luce.

After dinner he called again at the hardware store, and this time
found Mr. Braun there. He was greeted cordially when he gave his name,
but imagine his feelings when, after a few remarks, Braun said:
"What's the matter with you people down at North Portage about axes?
We wrote you that four of the last six you returned were in no way
covered by warrants; some were broken in solid steel, some were ground
thin and had to bend, and one had never even been out of your store.
We can't ask any factory to take back such goods from us, it wouldn't
be right; and we do not make enough profit on a dozen axes to stand
such a loss."

"If you give a warrant you ought to stand up to it."

"We do stand up to it, every time; and we do a good deal more than
that. But you do not stand up to it. You take back goods not covered
by a warrant and expect us to stand the loss."

"Well, if my customers bring them back I must take them or lose their
trade."