'I have calculated them at city prices, but if that is not enough——'
'Oh yes, sir; yes, sir. I was not thinking of that; it is much more than I expected.'
'And now for the strawberries, what shall I say for them? they are finer than those I usually purchase.'
'Oh, sir, I cannot think of taking any thing for them, since you allow me so much for the others; if you will only let me take some out and give that good man there (pointing to Peter), you are welcome to the rest.'
'Certainly, certainly, here Peter.' But Peter had other views of the matter, and instead of advancing to receive them, made two or three retrograde steps with his crutches, at the same time putting his hand upon his long queue and smoothing it down—a custom of his when at all confused, and rolling a tremendous quid from one side of his mouth to the other.
'The young gentleman wishes to give you some of these, Peter.'
'Thankee, sir, thankee;' nodding his head very fast all the time; 'no occasion at all.'
'Well, Peter, since you refuse them, take this basket and hand it to Mrs. Morris yourself.'
'Ay, ay, sir;' and away went Peter in double-quick time.
In the meanwhile, Sam manifested no impatience, although somewhat anxious as to what would be his fate; the moment Jim could with propriety, he directed the attention of the gentleman to Sam's little heap of clams and oysters.