amid a rich dead smell of wood and velvet, upon wheeled trestles, the splendid coffins lay in their proud menace.
“Now,” said Horse Hines quietly, “I know the family doesn’t want anything cheap.”
“No, sir!” said the sailor positively. “We want the b-b-b-best you have.”
“I take a personal interest in this funeral,” said Horse Hines with gentle emotion. “I have known the Gant and Pentland families for thirty years or more. I have had business dealings with your father for nigh on to twenty years.”
“And I w-w-want you to know, Mr. Hines, that the f-f-f-family appreciates the interest you’re taking in this,” said the sailor very earnestly.
He likes this, Eugene thought. The affection of the world. He must have it.
“Your father,” continued Horse Hines, “is one of the oldest and most respected business men in the community. And the Pentland family is one of the wealthiest and most prominent.”
Eugene was touched with a moment’s glow of pride.
“You don’t want anything shoddy,” said Horse Hines. “I know that. What you get ought to be in good taste and have dignity. Am I right?”
Luke nodded emphatically.
“That’s the way we feel about it, Mr. Hines. We want the best you have. We’re not pinching p-p-p-pennies where Ben’s concerned,” he said proudly.
“Well, then,” said Horse Hines, “I’ll give you my honest opinion. I could give you this one cheap,” he placed his hand upon one of the caskets, “but I don’t think it’s what you want. Of course,” he said, “it’s good at the price. It’s worth the money. It’ll give you service, don’t worry. You’ll get value out of it—”
Now there’s an idea, thought Eugene.
“They’re all good, Luke. I haven’t got a bad piece of stock in the place. But—”
“We want something b-b-b-better,” said Luke earnestly. He turned to Eugene. “Don’t you think so,’Gene?”
“Yes,” said Eugene.
“Well,” said Horse Hines, “I could sell you this one,” he indicated
