Page:The Wizard of Wall Street and his Wealth.djvu/341

 and I went with him to the store to carry it down to the boat.

"'How'd the overalls work, Mr. Cruger?' was the salutation of the storekeeper. Then before answer could be returned, he added, admiringly: 'That friend o' yourn is purty shrewd.'

"'Who, Mr. Gould? Yes, he appears to be a thorough business man.'

'Well, I sh'd say so! He can drive a mighty sharp bargain.'

"'Drive a sharp bargain?' repeated Cruger, all at sea. 'What do you mean?'

"'Why, don't you know he was in here 'bout three-quarters of an hour ago and sold me back the overalls you bought for him?'

"'Thunder, no!' roared Cruger in astonishment.

"'Well, sir, he jest did that. He kem in here, tole me he'd no fu'ther use for 'em, that they was as good as when I sold 'em, an' after we'd haggled awhile he 'greed ter take two shillin' fur 'em, which I paid him. Here's the overalls.'

"I can shut my eyes now," went on the jolly club man, with a hearty laugh, suiting the action to the words, "and call up Mr. Cruger's face with its mingled expression of amazement and incredulity. He left the store in silence. Not until we had nearly reached the boat did he speak. Then he only said, 'Boys, I'll fix him for that!' We reached home without any reference to the incident. On the way back Mr. Gould sat upon his pocket handkerchief.