"I will meet you half way and give you three rupees," I said.
"No, four rupees." He stood pat.
I finally left the shop telling the native that I had to consult a friend before making any purchase and that I would come again in the morning. I informed Richardson of the negotiations. I explained that I had worked the native from twelve rupees down to four and I suggested that he continue to beat down the price from that point.
That same evening we went to the shop and I waited on the sidewalk while Richardson entered to resume the battle with the poor shop-keeper.
"I will give you three rupees for that chair," he said to the native, pointing to the piece of furniture which was the subject of all the wrangle.
"No. I have a man coming in the morning who is going to buy it for four rupees." I was the man. I had made no promises.
Richardson struck a dead-lock at once. As he came out of the shop I went in. It seemed a heartless thing to brow-beat the poor native, but we were out for a record.
"Well, I have decided that I can't pay any more than three rupees for the chair," I said.
"All right, no sale then."