All the same size, are they?"
"No. Some are longer. The longer ones are higher priced, of course."
"Sartin! They're for fleshy folks, I s'pose. Mrs. Thoph Kenney down
home, she'd have to splice three of 'em together to make the round trip.
Thoph's always scared he won't get his money's wuth in a trade, but he
couldn't kick when he got her. To give the minister a dollar and walk
off with two hundred and eighty pounds of wife is showin' some business
sagacity, hey? To do him justice, I will say that HE seems to be
satisfied; she's the one that does the complainin'. I guess this is the
most expensive counter in the store, ain't it, Mister?"
The clerk laughed. "No, indeed," he said. "These are all moderate priced
goods. I wonder," turning to Pearson, "if your friend wouldn't like to
see some of our choice pieces. It is a quiet day here, and I shall be
glad to show them."
He led the way to a set of show cases near the door on the Fifth Avenue
side. There before Captain Elisha's dazzled eyes were displayed diamond
necklaces and aigrettes, tiaras and brooches, the figures on their price
tags running high into the thousands. Pearson and the good-natured clerk
enjoyed themselves hugely.
"Jim," said the captain after a little of this, "is there a police
officer lookin' this way?"
Pearson laughed.
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