Hamlin reached the
house of the agent. Had they come five minutes later, they would have
found him absent. Usually, soon after supper, he made his way to the
tavern, where he spent his time and money in a very unprofitable way.
The agent was surprised when his two visitors made their appearance.
"What brings you here, Hamlin?" he asked, with scant ceremony.
"I come on a little matter of business," answered Mr. Hamlin, gravely.
Mr. Fairfield concluded that the farmer had come to make an appeal to
have his rent continued at the old rates, and answered, impatiently:
"I don't think it will be of much use. My mind is made up. Have you come
on business, also?" he asked, turning to Frank, with a sneer.
"Yes, sir," answered our hero, quietly.
"That will be of no use, either," said the agent. "I am not in want of
stationery, and, if I were, I should not buy of a peddler."
"I have not come here to sell stationery, Mr. Fairfield," said Frank.
"Then, may I take the liberty of asking what is your business here?"
"I come on the same business as Mr. Hamlin," answered Frank, who
preferred that his companion should introduce the subject.
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