Wyeth went on to say, "Now, for instance, I am in the book business, which was never better. I have been anxious to enlist a good man's service." As he said this, he looked in Slim's direction, and went on: "But I did not wish to place this matter before you, until a time I felt you would be in a position to consider it, possibly, favorably." He paused long enough for his words to take effect, then continued, "So Professor, I should like to have you consider this matter with a view to taking it up." "Well, sir, Mr. Wyeth," his honor began, "I confess that I have been thinking of that myself." He was silent a minute, then proceeded again: "My health is improved to such an extent, that I have, of course, emancipated myself from a position of drudgery," and here he drew himself up, with more ostentation than ever. "I shall be glad to tell you, when it is more convenient, and we have the time, of my career as a business man back where I came from. You can, I see, appreciate a man that is possessed of ability," and he looked down at himself at this point, before continuing. Directly he said: "I shall be glad to have you explain this matter in regard to the book." "Well," said Wyeth, slowly, "you should have some idea of the work, since, with your years back in South Carolina, you were so successful; but more so, since you have been over a territory I have worked." "You certainly did fill Brookville with it, I must say," he admitted. Wyeth smiled. "Wish you hadn't worked that neighborhood, though," he said regretfully. "Others are yet to be worked...." "But I know everybody in that neighborhood." "So do I--now." Slim laughed a low, sorrowful laugh, and then was thoughtful. Then he inquired: "What commission do you pay?" "Forty per cent. Sixty cents the book." "Do I have to pay for the books before I can have them to deliver?" "I can, of course, trust you, Professor," Wyeth replied; "but the last one I trusted, and who took eighteen copies out for the purpose of delivery, has not shown up since." "Indeed! Did he send the books back, or leave them somewhere?" "He left them somewhere--several where's." "Then you--ah--got them back?" "Not yet." "But you will?" "Not likely. The people he left them with paid him $1.50 a copy therefor, but I have charged that to the dust, and it has rained since. You think over this proposition and come back tomorrow morning, and we will get down to business. Should you decide to take it up, I shall be glad to have you accompany me an afternoon, and hear me spiel it." The following morning, full of book selling, Slim was on hand. Moreover, he wished to begin that morning, but, as Sidney had made no arrangement to that end, he was compelled to wait until the afternoon. "I used to sell books in South Carolina," he said later, as he was looking through the book. "You have had some experience then," commented Wyeth. "Wait until I commence. I'll show you a thing or two."