"Well, it did seem a simple thing to advise a man about. Surely as to a
matter of this kind, I, a professed business man, must be able to form a
sounder judgment than this poor pumpkin-headed lamb. It would be
heartless to refuse to help him. I promised to look into the matter, and
let him know what I thought.
"He rose and shook me by the hand. He said he would not try to thank me;
words would only seem weak. He dashed away a tear and went out.
"I brought an amount of thought to bear upon this thousand-dollar
investment sufficient to have floated a bank. I did not mean to make
another Hannah job, if I could help it. I studied the papers Josiah had
left with me, but did not attempt to form any opinion from them. I went
down quietly to Josiah's city, and inspected both businesses on the spot.
I instituted secret but searching inquiries in the neighbourhood. I
disguised myself as a simple-minded young man who had come into a little
money, and wormed myself into the confidence of the servants. I
interviewed half the town upon the pretence that I was writing the
commercial history of New England, and should like some particulars of
their career, and I invariably ended my examination by asking them which
was their favourite bar, and where they got their washing done.
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