It had come about in this way. He had met in one of the shops he
frequented a machinist who rented one of Farnham's houses. Offitt had
asked him at noon-time to come out and drink a glass of beer with him.
The man complied, and was especially careful to bring his waistcoat
with him, saying with a laugh, "I lose my shelter if I lose that."
"What do you mean?" asked Offitt.
"I've got a quarter's rent in there for Cap. Farnham."
"Why are you carrying it around all day?"
"Well, you know, Farnham is a good sort of fellow, and to keep us from
losing time he lets us come to his house in the evening, after working
hours, on quarter-day, instead of going to his office in the day-time.
You see, I trot up there after supper and get rid of this wad."
Offitt's eyes twinkled like those of an adder.
"How many of you do this?"
"Oh, a good many,--most everybody in our ward and some in the
Nineteenth."
"A good bit of money?" said Offitt carelessly, though his mouth worked
nervously.
"You bet your boots! If I had all the cash he takes in to-night, I'd
buy an island and shoot the machine business.
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