"I am going to offer you now a fine lot of seven cases of Castile soap. At this moment this soap costs anywhere 11 dollars and 75 cents a case."

People began to offer their price. The original price was 15 dollars. Then the price reached 30 dollars. Cowperwood's mind was working hard. He took everything into account. Frank was sure he would get a profit, "that's why he decided to participate. When finally Cowperwood offered 32 dollars the auctioneer noticed him standing almost directly under his nose. The solidity of the boy's expression made a great impression on the man. Meanwhile young Cowperwood was thinking that he had no right to buy the soap as he had no money with him. But he was sure that his father who was a teller of the Third National Bank would lend him the money.

"32 – once! 32 – twice! Three times! The soap is sold to Mr…?" The auctioneer looked into the face of the boy.

"Frank Cowperwood, the son of the teller of the Third National Bank,' replied the boy. "Will you wait while I run up to the Bank and get the money?"

"Yes. Don't be long. If you are not here in an hour I'll sell it again."

Young Cowperwood made no reply. He hurried out and ran fast, but first to his mother's grocer.

When he entered the grocer's store he looked about for Castile soap. There it was, the same kind, displayed in a box and looking just as his soap looked.

Mr. Dalrymple, the owner of the store, though very much surprised, agreed to buy the soap offered by Cowperwood on condition that the boy would deliver the goods himself. Frank was sure there would be no difficulty in delivering the soap to the shop. At last they finalized the matter. Cowperwood was to deliver the soap to the shop and the grocer was to give him 62 dollars. So the question was settled to both parties' satisfaction.

Frank hurried out again and ran to his father's bank. The boy knew that his father wouldn't object to his plan.

"What's the trouble, Frank? What's the reason for your coming?" asked his father looking up from his desk when the boy appeared.

Frank explained the situation to him. He assured his father that it was a clear profit of 30 dollars and he would not do anything special. It was a good opportunity and he was not going to miss it.

Cowperwood senior, approved Frank's plan. Moreover it was not even necessary to instruct him how to act. This was the most business – like attitude he saw in his son. And Frank's father appreciated it very much. Frank was so bright and keen for a boy of 13. So the father counted out 32 dollars. Frank ran out of the building and returned to the auction premises as fast as his legs could carry him. He paid for the soap and it was not a problem for him to cover little transportation expenses.

In an hour he was before the door of Mr. Dalrymple's store with the soap. The owner paid for the goods and thought to himself it was most incredible for such a boy to be in business.

Since that transaction Frank Cowperwood decided to devote his life to business.

3.6.1 Vocabulary notes

to enter into a transaction – заключать сделку

to offer a price – предлагать цену

to take part in the auction – участвовать в аукционе

original price – первоначальная цена

to take into account – принимать во внимание, в расчет

to get a profit – получать прибыль

solidity – твердость

on condition that – при условии

to deliver goods – доставлять груз; поставлять товар

premises – помещение, здание, дом; недвижимость

to cover transportation expenses – покрывать транспортные расходы

to be in business – заниматься торговлей