Clothing Company. I bet you he ain't even in the book--what?"

Before Morris could reply, the letter-carrier entered with the morning
mail. While Abe continued to run his thumb down the columns of the
commercial agency book, Morris began to open the envelopes. Both their
heads were bent over their tasks, when an exclamation arose
simultaneously from each.

"Now, what d'ye think of that?" said Abe.

"Did y' ever see anything like it?" Morris cried.

"What is it?" Abe asked.

For answer, Morris thrust a letter into his partner's hand. It was
headed, "The Advance Credit Clothing Company--Marcus Bramson,
Proprietor," and read as follows:

MESSRS. POTASH & PERLMUTTER.

GENTS:

Your shipment of the 5th is to hand, and in reply would say
that we are returning it _via_ Blue Line on account Miss Tillie
Bramson's engagement is broken. We understand that lowlife
H. Maimin got into you for six hundred and fifty dollars. Believe
me, he done us for more than that. Our Mr. Bramson will be in
New York shortly, and will call to look at your line. Hoping we
will be able to do business with you,