[_Professor K., the well-known historian, has heard that a Fisherman of
Martha’s Vineyard owns a set of Venetian glass comfit boxes once the
property of Henri Quatre. He enters the Fisherman’s shack._]
_Prof. K._: Good-morning. I am interested in getting your opinion of a
set of Whitman, bound in green cloth or morocco at your option. May I
show you—
_Fisherman_: No, ye can’t. I don’t take no interest in politics.
_Prof. K._: Then perhaps I could get your opinion of a line of
haberdashery I carry. My own necktie, or scarf, if you prefer that
term, is an example. Do you like it?
_Fisherman_: Can’t say as I don’t: can’t say as I do.
_Prof. K._: It would become you better than it does me. Let me exchange
it with you for some bait. I observe that you keep your clams for bait
in those funny-looking little red glass boxes, yonder. I will give you
my necktie for the clams, but I shall have to ask for the boxes also,
since the nude clams would soil my pockets.
_Fisherman_: No. Them glass boxes was left to me by my grandmother and
I wun’t throw ’em in with no clams.
_Prof. K._: As you will. But how am I to carry the clams unless I have
the boxes? Ah! I have it! I will borrow them of you and return them by
a messenger from my hotel.
_Fisherman_: How do I know ye will?
_Prof. K._: I will leave my hat, coat, and trousers as security. [_He
removes them as he speaks, and ties the scarf about the Fisherman’s
throat._] There, look in the cheval glass and see how vastly it
improves you. I will return the glass boxes by the messenger and you
will kindly give him my clothes. Au revoir! [_He takes the comfit boxes
upon his back and instantly swims with them to the mainland._]†
————
† It was by following these hints that the Rockfund collection
of _petiteries_ was largely made. Collectors will do well to
wear several suits of clothes.
————
THE SECRET OF SUCCESS