“Jehu!” ejaculated the farmer.  “Well, that is a pile.  Do all the men that travel for your firm get as much salary as you?”

“Oh, no; I am one of the principal salesmen, and am paid extra.  I am always successful, if I do say it myself, and the firm know it, and pay me accordingly.  They know that several other firms are after me, and would get me away if they didn’t pay me my price.”

“I suppose you know all about investments, being a business man?”

“Yes, I know a great deal about them,” answered Mr. Coleman, his eyes sparkling with pleasure at this evidence that his companion had money.  “If you have any money to invest, I shall be very glad to advise you.”

“Well, you see, I’ve just had a note for two hundred and fifty dollars paid in by a neighbor who’s been owin’ it for two years, and I thought I’d go up to Detroit and put it in the savings-bank.”

“My good friend, the savings-bank pays but a small rate of interest.  I think I know a business man of Detroit who will take your money and pay you ten per cent.”

“Ten per cent.!” exclaimed the farmer joyfully.  “My!  I didn’t think I could get over four or six.”

“So you can’t, in a general way,” answered Coleman.  “But business men, who are turning over their money once a month, can afford to pay a good deal more.”

“But is your friend safe?” he inquired, anxiously.

“Safe as the Bank of England,” answered Coleman.  “I’ve lent him a thousand dollars at a time, myself, and always got principal and interest regularly.  I generally have a few thousand invested,” he added, in a matter-of-course manner.

“I’d be glad to get ten per cent.,” said the farmer.  “That would be twenty-five dollars a year on my money.”

“Exactly.  I dare say you didn’t get over six per cent. on the note.”

“I got seven, but I had to wait for the interest sometimes.”

“You’ll never have to wait for interest if you lend to my friend.  I am only afraid he won’t be willing to take so small a sum.  Still, I’ll speak a good word for you, and he will make an exception in your favor.”

“Thank you, sir,” said the farmer gratefully.  “I guess I’ll let him have it.”

“You couldn’t do better.  He’s a high-minded, responsible man.  I would offer to take the money myself, but I really have no use for it.  I have at present two thousand dollars in bank waiting for investment.”

“You don’t say so!” said the farmer, eying Coleman with the respect due to so large a capitalist.

“Yes, I’ve got it in the savings-bank for the time being.  If my friend can make use of it, I shall let him have it.  He’s just as safe as a savings-bank.”

The farmer’s confidence in Mr. Coleman was evidently fully established.  The young man talked so smoothly and confidently that he would have imposed upon one who had seen far more of the world than Farmer Jones.