That afforded
many loopholes between weighing, grading, charging, and
shrinkage, and finally he noticed that Albany prices were 30 to
50 per cent. higher than Warren prices. Yet Warren was reckoned
a first-class fellow, a good neighbour, and a member of the
church. But it was understood everywhere that fur, like
horseflesh, was a business with moral standards of its own.
A few days before their contract was up, Warren said: "How'd ye
like to renew for a month?"
"Can't; I promised to help Van Trumper with his harvest."
"What does he pay ye?"
"Seventy-five cents a day and board."
"I'll make it a dollar."
"I've given my word," said Rolf, in surprise.
"Hey ye signed papers?"
"They're not needed. The only use of signed papers is to show ye
have given your word," said Rolf, quoting his mother, with rising
indignation.
The trader sniffed a little contemptuously and said nothing. But
he realized the value of a lad who was a steady, intelligent
worker, wouldn't drink, and was absolutely bound by a promise;
so, after awhile, he said: "Wall, if Van don't want ye now, come
back for a couple of weeks.
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