I will take up the due-bills.
But I have some heavy payments to make, and cannot do it just now." "When will it be done ?" "That I am unable, just now, to say." "Can't you give me a part of the money today ?" Ellis shook his head.
"I have notes in bank, and they must take the precedence of all other payments." "To-morrow, then ?" "I have five hundred dollars to pay to-morrow." The man's countenance began to lower.
"Just go to Mr.Carlton, if you please, and tell him what I say.

He's a man of common sense;--he will listen to reason." "My orders to collect were imperative," persisted the man.
"Tell him that you can't collect to-day.

That I must and will have time.

There now! Go! I've something else to do besides arguing this matter fruitlessly." The collector turned off with an angry, threatening look.

A few minutes after he was gone, and ere the mind of Ellis had recovered its balance, a customer called in and paid a bill of a hundred dollars.