"Come, come," said the colonel, "you want to drive a hard bargain with me. I'm willing to give you a fair price, say twenty thousand; but I don't want to be swindled."
"Say twenty-five thousand and take her, curnil."
"No—twenty."
"Cash down?"
"Cash down."
"Done."
"The money's ready whenever Prudence is."
In a few days another ship from Boston came in, and Prudence was among the first to land. Mose met her with very little ardor, the colonel remaining in the background. After some little conversation, the young lady reminded her lover of their agreement.
"I can't do it, Prudence; I've swore off—I've jined the old bachelor society."
"But you promised me," screamed Prudence.