Country merchants were taken up, turned over, examined and put down ruined.

Brooks was as keen and as ardent as a prosecuting attorney.

Every man who owed a bill was under indictment.
"You see," he said to Henry, "we have to hold these fellows tight or they would get loose and smash us." "You needn't apologize to me," Henry replied.
"Of course not, but as you say that you don't understand business, I merely wanted to show you to what extent we are driven." "Oh, I assure you that it is awfully unpleasant," said Colton, "but we have to do it.

And let me tell you, my dear young man, there is more crime than you imagine in the neglect of these fellows.

In this blessed country there is hardly any excuse for a man's failure to meet his obligations.