EDITOR'S WALLET.

Otago Witness, Issue 2058, 3 August 1893, Page 49

EDITOR'S WALLET.

Two Sides to the. Question.

City merchants, who have not, at some time or other, undergone a few years of "travelling" often fail to comprehend the difficulties that beset their " commercials." ■

One suoh, a wealthy warehouseman, lately had his eyes opened. He was afraid that Mr Jenkins (as we will call him) did not quite approach dealers in the right way. Calling the "traveller" into his office, Mr Barleycorn expressed this fear and said : "Now, Mr Jenkins, I'll represent Mr So-and-so, of Diddleton-on-Sea, and you come in and let me see how you introduce our house." Mr Jenkins at once withdrew, to re-enter, hat in hand, with the polite inquiry : "Is Mr So-and-so in?"

"That is my name!" said his employer, suavsly. "My name is Jenkins, sir, and I have the honour to. travel for the house of Barleycorn and Co., of London." Mr B. rose and offered his visitor a chair, remarking that he was extremely pleased to see him. „ / , " I am putting up at the X Hotel," continued Mr Jenkins, " and I hope to be able to show you a choice assortment of samples — we can offer you special|advantages, &c, &c, &0.," and with the neat professional that followed Mr Barleycorn was compelled to acknowledge he could find no'fault. But it was now the " commercial's" turn.

" Br— excuse me, Mr Barleycorn," he began, smiling, "but I am afraid you don't quite understand the ways of provincial dealers themselves. Suppose we change places and go through the introduction once more.'' Themerchantassented and took his departure. When he returned Mr Jenkins was sitting with his chair tilted back and his feet resting on Mr Barleycorn's mahogany desk. He was also blowing clouds of smoke from a not too fragrant cigar. " Is Mr So-and-so in P " gasped Mr B. "He is, young man. Who the blazes are you?" "I~er — cr — I — I — represent house of Barleycorn and Co. — can offer you special advantages — samples" - — . continued the astonished old gentleman, when most of the smoke was ejected from his throat. " The deuce you do ! Are you one of the firm?"

"No, sir, I am not."

"Well, it's blank lucky for you that yon aren't. I've had two ' travellers' to every one customer in my shop for the last three months, and if I could only get hold of one of the blank fools that Bend 'm, I'll be hanged if I wouldn't boot him clean out of the town ! "

"Thank you, Mr Jenkins," said his employer, urbanely. " I have no doubt but that you do the best you can for the interests of the house." ■