"Yes, Paul, I could trust you, but I'm afraid I couldn't pay you enough
to make it worth while for you to stand here."
"I haven't got anything to do just now," said Paul. "I was in the
prize-package business, but two fellows stole my stock in trade, and I'm
not going into it again. It's about played out. I'm your man. Just make
me an offer."
"I should like to have you take my place for a day or two, for I know
you wouldn't cheat me."
"You may be sure of that."
"I am sure. I know you are an honest boy, Paul. But I don't know what to
offer you."
"How many neckties do you sell a day?" asked Paul, in a businesslike
tone.
"About a dozen on an average."
"And how much profit do you make?"
"It's half profit."
Paul made a short calculation. Twelve neckties at twenty-five cents each
would bring three dollars. Half of this was a dollar and a half.
"I'll take your place for half profits," he said.
"That's fair," said George Barry. "I'll accept your offer. Can you begin
now?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll go home and go to bed. It's the best place for me."
"You'd better. I'll come round after closing up, and hand over the
money."
"All right! You know where I live?"
"I'm not sure."
"No. -- Bleecker street."
"I'll come up this evening."
George Barry walked away, leaving Paul in charge of his business.
He did so with perfect confidence.
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