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Book, page 111 / 161 story being substantially true, to particularize in this respect would be almost like pointing out the parties concerned--was obliged to use a kind of goods imported only by two or three houses. The article was indispensable in his business, and his use of it was extensive. This man, whom we will call Eldon, belonged to the class of bargain makers. It was a matter of principle with him never to close a transaction without, if possible, getting an advantage. The ordinary profits of trade did not satisfy him; he wanted to go a little deeper. The consequence was that almost every one was on the look out for him; and it not unfrequently happened that he paid more for an article which he imagined he was getting, in consequence of some manuvre, at less than cost, than his next-door neighbour, who dealt fairly and above-board. One day, a Mr. Lladd, an importer, called upon him, and said-- "I'd like to close out that entire lot of goods, Eldon. I wish you'd take them." "How many pieces have you left?" inquired Eldon, with assumed indifference. It occurred to him, on the instant, that the merchant was a little pressed, and that, in consequence, he might drive a sharp bargain with him. "Two hundred." Eldon shook his head. "What's the matter?" asked Lladd. "The lot is too heavy." "You'll work up every piece before six months." "No, indeed. Not in twelve months." "Oh, yes, you will. I looked over your account yesterday, and find that you have had a hundred aid fifty pieces from me alone, and in six months."
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