The
corks, and the never say die, afforded the gentleman so much delight
that he demanded the repetition of this part of the entertainment, until
Grip got into his basket, and positively refused to say another word,
good or bad. The lady too, was much amused with him; and the closing
point of his obstinacy so delighted her husband that he burst into a
roar of laughter, and demanded his price.
Barnaby looked as though he didn't understand his meaning. Probably he
did not.
'His price,' said the gentleman, rattling the money in his pockets,
'what dost want for him? How much?'
'He's not to be sold,' replied Barnaby, shutting up the basket in a
great hurry, and throwing the strap over his shoulder. 'Mother, come
away.'
'Thou seest how much of an idiot he is, book-learner,' said the
gentleman, looking scornfully at his wife. 'He can make a bargain. What
dost want for him, old woman?'
'He is my son's constant companion,' said the widow. 'He is not to be
sold, sir, indeed.'
'Not to be sold!' cried the gentleman, growing ten times redder,
hoarser, and louder than before. 'Not to be sold!'
'Indeed no,' she answered. 'We have never thought of parting with him,
sir, I do assure you.
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