'You have made out a pretty good assortment—those strawberries are fine, indeed; are there plenty such raised in your area?'
'None, sir, but in our garden; my father used to be very fond of fruit, and he taught us to raise it.'
'Is your father living?'
'He is not, sir.'
A shade of sadness at once passed over the countenance of the officer, and his eye settled more intently upon the boy.
'Well, my lad, have you fixed upon a price for your articles?'
'I leave that to yourself, sir, as I am entirely ignorant of their value.'
Major Morris then ordered the different articles to be measured, and putting down prices to them such as he was accustomed to pay, handed the paper to Jim.
'Not reckoning the strawberries, which I must pay something extra for, the amount is one dollar and a half.'
Jim looked up with astonishment.