Then the traveller smiled, and explained to Jonah, alert and attentive, the credit system by which his firm would deliver fifty pounds' worth of boots at three months.

Jonah was quick to learn, but cautious.
"D'ye mean yer'd gimme the boots, an' not want the money for three months ?" The traveller explained that was the usual practice.
"An' can I sell 'em at any price I like ?" The man said he could give them away if he chose.

Jonah spent a pound on brass rods and glass stands, and sold the lot in a month at sixpence a pair profit.

His next order ran into a hundred pounds, and Jonah had established a cash retail trade.

Meanwhile, he worked in a way to stagger the busy bee.