Let a man of small means, like myself, play the ponies, or affect shady company, and what happens?
All the banks know it at once, and shut down on loans instanter.

They keep tab on all business men religiously." "What's your line ?" said Steve, impressed.
"Mainly buying on commission for Mexican and South American trade--though I handle a good many orders for country dealers, too," replied Mitchell.

"My specialty is agricultural implements, barbed wire, machinery and iron stuff generally, for the export trade.
There's things about it would surprise you.

Why, such things, farm machinery more especially, retail in Buenos Ayres at from 40 to 60 per cent, of what they do here, after paying freight charges and a snug commission to me." "How can they do it ?" asked Steve, interested.
Mitchell plunged into an explanation of the workings of the tariff and its effect on home prices.

He had it at his fingers' end.