"Boss, I've come after my money. I want the whole lot."
"Good day, 'Bony'; good day, Hallam Kaye, I believe."
Hallam bowed, and before his courage could wane, replied:—
"Yes; I'm sorry to interrupt you in business hours, but—will you buy Balaam, Pepita's brother?"
Before the gentleman could answer, Fayette had clutched Hallam's shoulder.
"What's that? Did you come here to sell that donkey?"
"I came to try to sell it, certainly."
"Then I'm sorry I ever touched to help you. I want him myself. I come to get my money a purpose. My money is as good as his. He shan't have it. I'll have it myself."
Mr. Metcalf interrupted:—
"But, 'Bony,' you can't afford to keep such an animal. It would take all your capital to pay for him. Wait. Sometime, if you're industrious, you'll be rich enough to have a horse and carriage. Indeed, I mean it; and, yes, Hallam, I will very gladly buy your burro. I've wanted him ever since Amy let us have Pepita. I—"