He lost fifty dollars and the boots." "I don't think that's quite right," said James, smiling.
"Of course it is.

Didn't he have to pay back fifty dollars in good money, and didn't the man walk off with the boots ?" "That's true; but he neither lost nor made by changing the bill.

He received fifty dollars in good money and paid back the same, didn't he ?" "Yes." "Whatever he lost his customer made, didn't he ?" "Yes." "Well, the man walked off with forty-five dollars and a pair of boots.
The other five dollars the shoemaker kept himself." "That's so, Jim.

I see it now, but it's rather puzzling at first.

Did you make that out yourself ?" "Yes." "Then you've got a good head--better than I expected.