hit the chutes for the bowwows. Business methods and strict business honesty will win in the long run, Mr. Anderson.“
The consul nodded a trifle absent-mindedly at this recommendation of his nation's widely advertised virtue.
“In fact,” continued Mr. Strawbridge, with an effect of having begun to recite some sort of creed he could not stop until he reached the end, “in fact, continual aggressive business policies coupled with an incorruptible honesty are bound to land the American exporter flat-footed on the foreign trade. And, moreover, Mr. Anderson—”Strawbridge had the traveling salesman's habit of repeating a companion's name over and over in the course of a conversation, so he would not forget it—“moreover, Mr. Anderson, we American traveling business men have got to set an example to these people down here; show 'em what to do and how to do it. Snap, vim, go, and absolute honesty.”
“Yes, … yes,” agreed the consul, still more absently. He was holding Mr. Strawbridge's card in his fingers and apparently studying it. Presently he broke into the homily:
“Speaking of business, how do you find the gun-andammunition business in Venezuela, Mr. Strawbridge?”
“Rotten. I've hardly booked an order since I landed in the country.”
The consul lifted his brows.
“Have you booked any at all?”
“Well, no, I haven't,” admitted Strawbridge.
The consul smiled faintly and finished off his glass of gin and water.
“I thought perhaps you hadn't.”
“What made you think that?”
“No one does who just passes through the country offering them to any and every merchant.”
“Why not?”
“Isn't allowed.”
