For a time, probably, the sales will be less." "Very well, mother, we will try it; for I think it would be better to keep them honest, even if we don't sell more than half so much." When the girls appeared the next morning to receive their stock, it was announced to them that the business would thereafter be conducted on a different basis; that they must pay for their candy before they got it, and thus become independent merchants themselves.

Most of them were unable to comply with the terms, and begged hard to be trusted one day more.

Katy was firm, for she saw that they would be more likely to be dishonest that day, to revenge themselves for the working of the new system.
The girls were not all dishonest, or even a majority of them, but the plan must be applied to all.

Most of them went home, therefore, and shortly returned with money enough to buy one or two dozen sticks.

As Mrs.Redburn had predicted, the effect of the adoption of the new plan was unfavorable for a few days.