situation here and I find that
there is a big chance for us. In fact, I have already booked some fat
orders. Will you put me in touch with the right people in America to
handle the business?"

"Certainly," replied the Attache. "I know just the firm you are looking
for." He recalled the enthusiastic remarks of the man who came to him
after the Philadelphia speech, so he said: "Write to the Blank Hardware
Company in ----, and I am sure you will get quick action."

"No," said the enterprising young American, "I will cable." He
immediately got off a long wire telling what orders he had and giving
gilt edge banking references.

Quite naturally he expected a cable reply, but he was too optimistic.
Day after day passed amid a great silence from America. At the end of
two weeks he received a _letter_ from the Export Manager of the firm who
said, among other things: "We are not prepared to quote any prices for
the French trade now. We have decided to wait with any extension of our
foreign business until after the war. Meanwhile you might call on our
agent in Paris who may be able to do something for you."

The young American dashed up to the agent's warehouse. The agent was an
old man becalmed in a sea of empty space. All his young men were off at
the front; a few grey beards aided by some women comprised his working
staff.

"I have no American hardware in stock," he said, "but I may be able to
get you some English or Swiss goods." This did not appeal to the young
American. He is now making a study of Russian finance.

Full brother to this episode is the experience of another American in
Paris who found out that there was great need among French women for
curling irons. Despite war, sacrifice and sudden death, the French woman
is determined to look her best. Besides, she is earning more money than
ever before and buying more luxuries. Knowing these facts, the Yankee
sent the following cable to a well known concern in the Middle West:

"Rush fifty thousand dollars' worth of curling irons. Cable acceptance."
He also cabled his financial references which would have started a bank.

He, too, was doomed to disappointment. After a fortnight came the usual
letter from America containing the now familiar phrase: "See Blank
Blank, our Paris representative. He may be able to take care of you."

Manfully he went to see Monsieur Blank Blank, who not only had no
curling irons but refused to display the slightest interest in them.