An honest, struggling, and not rich, but moderately successful, trader in the City of London, not long ago, was told that a certain "firm" (Messrs. Voleur and Enlever), who had offices, or a warehouse, not many hundreds of yards from the Mansion House, and somewhat nearer to the cold abode of Gog and Magog, and who had an establishment in Paris, might do business with him in a certain class of goods. The trader, Mr. Brown, although not able to bear losses, and therefore somewhat cautious, was, at the same time, naturally anxious to do business. He inquired the standing of this firm. His friend could not tell him, but said that other friends of his--Messrs. Downey and Grabble--were traders with these enterprising Parisians; that Downey was the very model of scrupulousness; and that Mr. Brown might go and ask him to say confidentially what he knew about or thought of the Frenchmen. "Downey and Grabble are first-class people, I can assure you. If they say 'right,' all is right; and if they say 'don't,' then I say don't trust Voleur and Enlever, that's all." Brown thanked his friend. Next day, as a matter of course, Brown called at the London office or warehouse of Voleur and Enlever, which, for geographical definiteness, I may also explain was not far from the High Court of Relief, in Basinghall Street. He had samples of his goods in his pocket. The agent and buyer of the French firm was in his proper place behind the counter. Firstly a formal explanation and inquiry or two passed between these gentlemen. "What class of goods do you say you can offer us?" "Alpacas." "They will do for the Paris market just now, but we must have them cheap. We don't want long credit." "They are a job lot. I can offer them low for cash or short credit." "Our terms are cash at thirty days; but let us see your samples." The samples were laid on the counter, critically examined by the intended buyer, and approved. Mr. Brown was also content (subject to references) with the thirty days' credit. "Well," he said, continuing the dialogue, "I am quite satisfied as to the terms of credit; but as this is my first transaction with your house, I should like a reference, which, if quite satisfactory, as I have no doubt it will be, I'll send in the goods at once." "Oh, that's quite right. Let me see, who shall I give you? Do you know Downey and Grabble?" "Yes; I know them very well. That reference is quite satisfactory to me." "Ask _them_, then, what they think of Voleur and Enlever." Mr. Brown went direct to the counting-house of Downey and Grabble. Both members of the firm were out. He called again, and saw the two members of this very respectable house. The visitor went direct to the business on which he had called. "I am told you are dealing with Voleur and Enlever." "Yes." "They are good, then?" "We suppose so," said Downey, in silken tones, "or we should have nothing to do with them;" and as he spoke he turned his eyes upon his partner.