They sent him letter after letter, each more politely threatening than
the last. Finally they sent their representative down to give him a
sporting chance.
"Now," said the caller, "we must have a settlement. Why haven't you
sent us anything? Are things going badly?"
"No. Everything's going splendidly. You needn't worry. My bankers will
guarantee me all right."
"Then why haven't you paid up?"
"Well, you see, those threatening letters of yours were so well done
that I've been copying them and sending them round to a few customers
of my own who won't pay up, and I've collected nearly all outstanding
debts. I was only holding back because I felt sure there must be a
final letter, and I wanted to get the series complete."
_Probably Meant Florida_
"So the doctor told you to go to a warmer climate. What was the nature
of the trouble you consulted him about?"
"I went there to collect a bill."
"Why don't you pay your bills?" angrily demanded the collector, after
his tenth fruitless call.
"What?" exclaimed Mr. Dedbete. "Do you imagine I could be so
hard-hearted as to deprive you poor fellows of your employment?"
ARTIST--"I'm awfully sorry I can't pay you this month.
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