"Oh, sir, I'm so glad I have found the owner, and that it is you!" exclaimed Ishmael, putting his hand in his pocket to deliver the lost article.
"Stop, stop, stop, my impetuous little friend! Don't you know I must prove my property before I take possession of it? That is to say, I must describe it before I see it, so as to convince you that it is really mine?"
"Oh, sir, but that was only put in my poster to prevent imposters from claiming it," said Ishmael, blushing.
"Nevertheless, it is better to do business in a business-like way," persisted Mr. Middleton, putting his hand upon that of the boy to prevent him from drawing forth the pocketbook. "Imprimis—a crimson pocketbook, with yellow silk lining; items—in one compartment three quarter eagles in gold; in another two dollars in silver. Now is that right?"
"Oh, yes, sir; but it wasn't necessary; you know that!" said Ishmael, putting the pocketbook in the hand of its owner.
Mr. Middleton opened it, took out a piece of gold and would have silently forced it in the hand of the poor boy, but Ishmael respectfully but firmly put back the offering.
"Take it, my boy; it is usual to do so, you know," said Mr. Middleton, in a low voice.
"Not for me, sir; please do not offer me money again unless I have earned it," replied the boy, in an equally low tone.
"But as a reward for finding the pocketbook," persisted Mr. Middleton.
"That was a piece of good fortune, sir, and deserved no reward," replied Ishmael.